INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the Chronicles of the Seventh. As always I like to begin by stating that I do not own Naruto.
THANK YOU
A special thanks to those who reviewed my last chapter: GravenImage; RunningLion; theshrewedshrew; PJ Hatake; FoxSage19; soccernin19; iiDarkness; losermuch; airnaruto45; goldone5; charles cdv; Sasuke K; InARealPickle; Kushina's Truth of Hell; Diamond Man; Bluesummers2012; Richasa and GreedO3114.
RESPONCES
Gravenimage - Me? Kill Rock Lee? Now would I ever do such a thing?
RunningLion - Thanx.
theshrewedshrew - Well, as you can see I wanted this to be about Lee so Sakura's team set things in motion but Lee is the guy who will get things done. Hopefully. For the record I enjoy all of the characters. i just have a plan for each. Hopefully things will come together. Well, i hope the end works out for you whether I leave questions to be answered or not.
PJ Hatake - Have i outdone myself? Hmmm. I hope so. i want this to grow and grow to a massive conclusion so I guess you can say outdoing myself is the ultimate goal. But I promise you, you haven't seen anything yet.
FoxSage19 - Thanx.
soccernin19 - The air boat is on auto-pilot. As for Lee, he's going to be fine.
iiDarkness - Hope you're vacation was good. Mine sure was. Yeah i enjoyed being able to write such a long story but TBH I couldn't maintain a weekly schedule if I tried to write such long chapters.
losermuch - Glad you liked it.
airnaruto45 - Lol! So I've finally made you cry huh? hehe. Well at least you're not yelling at me for once. Lol!
goldone5 - I'm happy to read long reviews. The more detailed the better. Yes, Lee will make his (final?) stand to protect konoha. Here's hoping he pulls it off. That was an interesting prediction btw. Very interesting indeed. Lol. But I don't think it'll happen in just that way. Did that fastforward button work btw?
charles cdv - Thanx.
Sasuke K - The first huh? Hmmm, and here I thought that would be a bit more common. Glad you're enjoying it.
InARealPickle - Hey, I never said he was going to die? You never know, I could do something completely different.
Kushina's - My Vacation was nice. I went to Vancouver. Relly good time. Anyway thanx for the review.
Diamond Man - It's ok for not reviewing before. I just hope you review more often going forward. If you would like some tips I'll be happy to help. Send me a PM with whatever questions you may have and I'll answer you. I also spend a lot of time OneManga forums and Narutofan Forums. My name both is also RamenRenegade. You can find a link to my OM home page at my home page. Hit me up anytime.
Bluesummers2012 - LOL! Well i am so happy that your enjoying things so far. Now I'm not sure i agree with your "making him a sacrifice" assesment. Lee is fullfilling the destiny set before him. All of his training has led to this moment. All warriors must face thier ultimate challenge. Lee is facing his. This isn't about sacrifice. This is about growth. Glad you're enjoying my symphony. Wait till I get to the next act. Lol!
Richasa - thanx. i hope I can keep things interesting.
Greedo3114 - Awww. Someone get him a tissue please!
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Ok, so after a three week hiatus I'm finally back. It'll be a weekly release again from here on out. Please remember to send a little review my way afterwards. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanx.
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter XII: Konoha's Green Dragon
******SunaGakure – Gaara's Private Residence******
Naruto, Shikamaru and Temari sat on plush pillows around a low dinner table made of dark cherry oak. The walls were painted a dark cream color and there were many plants around, giving the whole home a very sweet smell. There was light music coming from a nearby music box and on the far wall was a large painting or Gaara, Temari, Kankuro and Matsuri.
"You boys sure know how to make a girl worry," Temari said with a smile.
"I don't know why you were so worried in the first place," Shikamaru said as he leaned back. "You should know by now not to underestimate me."
"Yeah yeah," Temari said. "You can act all tough now. But I could tell you were nervous." Temari then leaned in and smiled slyly and said, "Admit it Shikamaru. You know you were scared. I saw fear in your eyes when you were walking to Gaara's office."
With a smile Shikamaru said, "What you mistook for fear Temari was hunger. Have you any idea how poor a diet can be in prison?" Shikamaru sighed deeply and said, "Man, I never wanna see a piece of bread for the next month."
"Well it's not all bad," Temari said, "At least this whole adventure brought you here so you could see me right?"
Shikamaru closed his eyes and said, "Yeah. I guess so."
"You guess so," Temari yelled angrily. "Well I don't know what I would even worry about you're dumb ass if your not even going to act like your happy to be around me!"
Shikamaru laughed a bit and then looked at Temari and said, "Calm down Temari. You know how I feel about you so just calm down. No need to get all excited."
Temari blushed a bit and was silent and seemed a bit embarrassed. At the same time Shikamaru looked to Naruto who was staring out at the wall. He seemed like a million miles away. "Hey Naruto," Shikamaru said. "What's with you? You look awful glum for a guy you just avoided a date with the hangman."
Naruto looked at Shikamaru as if he were speaking to a ghost and said, "I guess I'm a bit tired." Naruto then looked away and seemed once again lost in his thoughts.
Before Shikamaru could respond they heard a door open nearby and then turned to see Gaara enter the dining area. "Hello," Gaara said as he removed his robes and sat down at the diner table next to Naruto and across from Temari and Shikamaru.
"So how did things go with Krolik's interrogation," Temari asked.
"Surprisingly well and incredibly bad," Gaara said.
"Could you be a bit more specific," Naruto asked.
"Yeah," Shikamaru said. "That doesn't sound very encouraging."
"That all depends on how you look at it," Gaara responded.
Just then Matsuri came from the kitchen with several large plates of food including rice, tempura, fried pork and soup. "Alright," she said as she placed everything down. "Lunch is served."
"Thank you Matsuri," Gaara said with a little smile.
"Yes Matsuri, you really outdid yourself this time," Temari said.
"Everything looks delicious," Naruto said.
"This looks a hell of a lot better than bread and water," Shikamaru said.
"Perhaps it's best we eat first," Gaara suggested. "We can talk about business after."
After their meal everyone sat about more than satisfied. "Wow Matsuri," Shikamaru said. "Maybe it's the starvation talking but you really know how to cook. You're a lucky man Gaara."
Gaara placed his hand over Matsuri's and said, "Yes. She has been more than I could ever ask for."
"Gaara," Naruto said. "Sorry to interrupt but we should get to business. What did you learn from Krolik."
"Everything," Gaara said. "Yet not very much. Krolik was more than willing to talk and he confirmed that he has been working for Akatsuki for nearly five years. For the most part his job was to relay information to Madara regarding our movements and activities. About three months ago he received orders to convince us to open negotiations with Kumo."
"Unfortunately," Gaara continued, "The purpose of which was to set one of our elders up to be murdered and for you specifically Naruto, to be blamed. The next phase was to have a large portion of our forces set up to be killed and for him to make it appear that my indecisiveness in this war to be the reason for their deaths. Thus weakening the support of my people allowing him the opportunity to take control and have Suna attack Konoha with full force."
"Damn," Shikamaru said. "That Madara is a genius. He's a sick bastard. But also a genius. If his plan had worked he would have had Kumo, Suna and Iwa lined up against Konoha. Not to mention his own Akatsuki and Kiri forces. It literally would be Konoha against the entire ninja world."
"And Konoha wouldn't stand a chance," Matsuri said.
"Was he able to tell you who the traitor is in Konoha," Naruto asked. "From what I know the traitor was one of Danzo's men, Torune."
"That most likely not completely correct," Shikamaru said. "Based on Krolik's confession the plan from the very beginning was to frame you for Koga's murder. This means you had to be brought back to Konoha first. There's no way Torune could have convinced Danzo of doing that."
"Are you saying you think Danzo himself is the traitor," Temari asked.
"It looks that way," Shikamaru said. "Madara needed to be one hundred percent sure you would be back as a Konoha ninja. Torune lacked the ability to influence such a decision. It had to be Danzo."
Naruto clenched his fists and gritted his teeth and said, "Damn it! I knew that bastard couldn't be trusted. But to go this far!"
"Settle down Naruto," Gaara said. "If Danzo is guilty we'll deal with him soon enough. Right now however we need to concentrate on ending this war completely. I've already dispatched Kankuro to the north and Baki to the south to relay my ceasefire to all our forces. By this time tomorrow all Suna forces will begin returning home."
"Not so fast Gaara," Naruto said. "You're going to need to take some of those forces and keep them ready for a new mission to Kumogakure."
"Kumo," Gaara asked. "Why?"
With a grin Naruto said, "I have a plan."
******KiriGakure – Office of the Mizukage******
"What did you just say Zetsu," Madara asked as he sat behind his large desk
"It seems Muramasa has lost control of himself Lord Madara," Zetsu said. "The village was under attack by a small group of Konoha ANBU and instead of dispatching them he activated the airship. He is currently flying towards Konoha as we speak."
For a long moment Madara sat silent, staring at Zetsu. Zetsu remained standing at attention not sure what Madara's response was going to be. It was no surprise that Muramasa was losing control of his sanity. That was a side affect of most hosts who weren't strong enough to control that foul chakra of a Biju. But they had hoped he was strong enough to last until his usefulness was at an end. And they certainly didn't plan on him acting on his own like this.
Suddenly Madara lashed out and with one sweeping motion, knocked all the paperwork, pencils and various other items off his desk. "Damn that foolish Muramasa," he yelled as he got to his feet. Madara quickly turned to stare outside with his hands clasped behind him. "He was supposed to wait until we gave him the word to attack! My armies have yet to get into place! And Sasuke has yet to seal away the Eight Tails!"
Zetsu remained silent as Madara stood staring outside. Much to Zetsu's amazement, Madara began to laugh, lightly at first, until it grew into raucous laughter. "Very well," Madara said. "If this is the hand fate has dealt me I will show my strength and move forward. This setback will not ruin anything. That ship was supposed to be opening blow against Konoha. But by no means was it to be my greatest. I will just have to adjust my plans."
Madara turned to face Zetsu and said, "Hopefully, Muramasa will be able to deal a harsh blow to Konoha at least." Madara returned to his seat and then said, "Tell me Zetsu, how soon until Kisame returns with our precious cargo?"
"No later than tomorrow morning my lord," Zetsu said.
"Excellent," Madara said.
"My Lord," Zetsu said. "What about Sasuke? Are you sure he will continue to help us?
"Sasuke has no choice," Madara said. "His own desires won't allow him to do anything but walk the path before him."
"And Muramasa," Zetsu asked.
"Don't concern yourself with him," Madara said. "Just let me know when his little insurrection is over. I'll deal with him myself."
******Akatsuki Airship – Ten miles from Konoha******
What is this, Lee thought to himself. I've never felt like this before. I've never felt this strong, this much power, this much…freedom. (Thump! Thump!) Was that my heart?
Lee stood at the entrance to the bridge of the airship. Several feet away was Muramasa, or what was once Muramasa, gripping to the floor in an effort to prevent from being blown away by the pure power that Lee was now releasing.
A few moments ago, Lee had done what he was always told to avoid, he opened the Eighth Gate of the chakra system. In that instant Lee felt as though he had been thrust into a new level of existence. Lee raised his hand up and looked at it and stared at it as it glowed bright green.
Is this me, he thought to himself. My whole body is glowing. Is this my power? Lee looked at the nearby walls that were breaking and crumbling under the force of his chakra. He saw heavy machinery, rocks and anything else not nailed down being thrown back like leaves caught in a storm. Everything around him moved slowly, as if stuck in molasses. Paper, pencils, machinery, the body parts of the men Muramasa slaughtered flew about in slow motion crashing into walls and shattering through the large window.
Finally the wind around Lee began to die down and Muramasa was able to let go of the floor and stand up. He stared at Lee, who for a moment was standing there staring at his own hand. Muramasa noticed that every little movement Lee made, from clenching his fists to raising his hand, was done with incredible speed.
Suddenly Muramasa laughed maniacally and then said, "Yes! This is what we've wanted all along! A challenge! A true challenge for our power! Is that fear we feel? Yes! Fear! It's been so long since we've felt it! It feels…..exhilarating!"
Muramasa suddenly sprinted at Lee who looked away from his hand and stared at the monster running at him in slow motion. "Come and face us," Muramasa yelled as he threw a punch aimed for Lee's face. "You will be our ultimate challenge!"
Suddenly Muramasa was shocked to see no one there. Lee was gone. "What the hell," he said. "Where did you go! Did you teleport!" At that moment Muramasa's heightened hearing allowed him to realize someone was behind him. He turned to see Lee standing a few feet away. "There you are!" Again Muramasa sprinted at Lee, clearing the space between them in a span of a second.
Lee stared at Muramasa, who to him was moving at a snails pace. Lee easily stepped to the left and dodged Muramasa's attack, noticing just how slow Muramasa seemed to him. Lee then grabbed Muramasa's outstretched hand and bent it back snapping it at the elbow and then punched Muramasa in the face.
Muramasa was launched through several tables and though a nearby wall and out into the hallway. His eyes were rolled back up into his head and his jaw was snapped of and hung by the side of his face. He was not breathing and his body lay still amongst the rubble. Suddenly he began to glow and his eyes rolled out and he grabbed his jaw with his left hand and reattached it.
"What the fuck was that," he growled as he reattached his broken arm. "One minute we're about to punch him and the next we're out here. We didn't even see him move at all. Is he really that fast?"
"Monster," Lee said as he stood in the gaping hole Muramasa's body created in the wall. "This is not your ultimate challenge. This is your execution."
******Meanwhile – Sunagakure******
Shikamaru dropped his cup of sake on the table as he stared at Naruto slack-jawed. "You're insane," he said. "And I don't mean your typical Naruto level insanity. I mean you're really nuts!"
Temari, Gaara and Matsuri also stared at Naruto in shock as Naruto simply smiled. "I would have to agree with Shikamaru Naruto," Gaara said. "This plan of yours is just reckless."
"Reckless," Shikamaru asked. "Its suicide is what it is! Even if this plan of yours went along perfectly from our end, it still requires Madara and Sasuke to react in the way we want. And that's a complete unknown."
"I'm already aware of that Shikamaru," Naruto said. "But I don't see how we have another choice."
"You want another choice," Gaara asked. "How about I beat the living hell out of you and then create the deepest darkest hole I can and throw you in it and hide you away. How's that for a choice?"
"Gaara," Matsuri said. "Please stay calm. Getting angry won't help this situation."
"Look all of you," Naruto said. "I'm well aware of the risks. But at this point you must realize our situation. Akatsuki has seven of the beast and if the reports are true they now have Bee as well. Which means I'm the last Jinchuricki left. They will come after me, soon. Now I can either wait for them or we can take to the fight to them."
"I don't think you fully comprehend Madara's military strength Naruto," Gaara said. "Our intelligence indicates that Iwagakure is also being manipulated by Madara. In fact we have reason to believe the Tsuchikage himself maybe working with them. And Madara also has control of both the Kirigakure military and an army of Akatsuki mercenaries."
"How large a military force are we talking about here," Shikamaru asked.
"Our estimates place them at over one hundred thousand," Temari said.
"A hundred thousand," Shikamaru yelled in disbelief. "Wholey shit."
"Yes," Gaara said, "Even combined the three villages couldn't defeat such a force."
"You won't need to defeat them," Naruto said. "Just hold them off long enough for me to defeat Madara."
"You're forgetting something Naruto," Temari said. "With everything that's happened how are we supposed to convince the Raikage to join an Alliance, he's not really known to be a reasonable sort."
"True," Shikamaru said, "And with everything that's happened recently who knows what mood he'll be in."
"He'll have no choice once presented with the truth the situation," Naruto said.
Shikamaru leaned back and stared at Naruto and could see the usual unwavering conviction in his eyes. "Shit," he said. "Man, why do you have to always make things so damned difficult? You're gonna make me age before my time." He then sighed deeply and said, "Ah, what the hell. I've followed you this far right. Why stop now?"
Naruto smiled and looked to Gaara and said, "Gaara, how about you? I need your help."
Gaara folded his arms and looked at Naruto. "The elders of Suna won't like it, but considering what we've put you through the last month, I'd say we owe you. You have our support."
"Great," Shikamaru said. "So I guess we head out to Kumogakure in the morning?"
Naruto then scratched the back of his head and smiled. "Actually," he said as he laughed nervously. "I won't be going with you."
"What," Gaara said as he and the others stared at Naruto in utter shock.
Shikamaru then laughed to himself and shook his head. "This just keeps getting better and better," he said.
******Meanwhile - Akatsuki Airship******
"Our execution is it," Muramasa said as he got to his feet. Lee watched as more and more sinister chakra began to pour from Muramasa's body. The skin and nails on his fingers began to tear away revealing long cat-like claws. The fangs in his teeth grew longer and sharper and he was then surrounded by chakra armor with one tail swaying behind him. "I'd love to see you try it," Muramasa yelled as he leapt at Lee who was surprised by his increased speed.
Before Lee could block the attack Muramasa slashed him across the chest. The force of the blow launched Lee back into the control room as he slammed up against a control panel.
So his speed and power has increased with this new transformation, Lee thought to himself. Muramasa then leapt at Lee again, growling as he appeared above him, ready to pierce Lee in the chest. Lee quickly rolled out of the way just as Muramasa shattered the ground with his attack. Lee quickly got to his feet and kicked Muramasa in the side of the head sending him airborne. But before Muramasa could hit the ground Lee hit him again and again, hitting him higher into the sky before grabbing Muramasa by the face and launching him head first into the stone floor below.
Lee then leapt back to put distance between them and clutched his right hand that was now badly burned and blistered. Damn, he thought. His chakra is so fowl and powerful that it burns just to touch it. Suddenly Lee spat up blood and wiped it from his mouth. Looking at the blood on the back of his hand he grimaced and then looked around the room. I need to find the panel that controls this thing and change its direction, he thought.
Finally Lee saw a large panel with a joystick. "There it is," Lee said as he ran towards it. Just as he was about to grab it Muramasa leapt at him slashing at his neck. Lee was just able to dodge, only taking a small cut to the side of his neck. But now Muramasa stood between him and the controls.
Muramasa roared like a wild beast and ran at Lee forcing to dodge his multiple attacks. Muramasa swung down with his claws hoping to cut Lee in the face but Lee was able to just dodge it and punched Muramasa in the face. But much to Lee's surprise Muramasa easily absorbed the blow and used the momentum sending him down to lunge at Lee's right leg and Muramasa buried his fangs into Lee's knee.
Lee yelled in pain as Muramasa clenched his fangs down tighter and tighter. He could taste Lee's blood and he could feel the bone in Lee's knee begin to crack under the pressure. Lee desperately fought through the pain and kicked Muramasa hard in the stomach forcing him to let go the kicked him again in the face launching Muramasa back. Lee then quickly grabbed Muramasa by the ankle as he was in midair and swung him around and threw him into and through a far wall.
Lee then again coughed blood as he felt a sharp pain in his wounded knee. Lee then turned towards the controls and again made his way towards them when Muramasa leapt threw the whole in the wall and slashed Lee in the back pitching him forward and to the ground. Again Muramasa threw a punch, intent on piercing Lee in the chest. Lee back flipped out of the way just in time and leapt back to gain additional space between them.
Damn, Lee said as he could feel his heart rate pick up even more. This guy has lost any resemblance to being human. He's just an animal now; going on pure instinct with no fear of pain or death. (Thump! Thump!) Lee felt a sharp pain in his heart and clutched at his chest and winced. The pain quickly passed and he quickly readied himself as Muramasa ran at him.
Muramasa swiped at Lee who crouched under the attack and punched Muramasa in the jaw and up into the air. Lee then leapt up with him and began to punch Muramasa again and again with increasing speed until green flames began to appear. "Morning Peacock," Lee yelled as he landed countless flaming punches all over Muramasa's body finishing with a massive double fisted hammer blow that launched Muramasa down crashing through the floor and the floor of the room beneath them before landing in a smoldering heap of rubble two levels below.
******Meanwhile – Sunagakure – Gaara's home******
"So let me get this straight," Shikamaru said. "You want us to walk into the heart of enemy territory and convince the Raikage, one of the most hardheaded and impatient men who ever lived, to not only to end his war on our villages but to join an alliance with us, all the while you won't even be there?"
Naruto took a deep breath and smiled. "You know it doesn't sound so great when you put it like that," Naruto said.
"Doesn't really sound great no matter how you say it," Shikamaru said as he got to his feet, clearly exasperated and walked over and leaned up against a nearby wall.
"Where do you plan to go Naruto," Gaara asked. "Are you heading back to Konoha?"
"I wish," Naruto said. "But there is someplace else I need to be for now. Something I need to do. But once I'm done I'll meet you all back in Konoha."
"Well that sounds very mysterious," Matsuri said. "Care to be a bit more specific?"
"Sorry but I can't," Naruto said. "I just need you guys to trust me."
"Well what else is new," Temari said.
"Alright," Shikamaru said as he returned to the group. "I don't know what you've got cooking but it's like I said before, I've followed you this far, so I'll keep following you. So when do you leave?"
Naruto smiled and got to his feet then said, "Right now." Naruto then bit his thumb causing a little bit of blood to trickle out. He then wiped the blood on his palm and slammed it to the ground. "Summoning Jutsu," he said and a small blue toad with green spots appeared in a puff of smoke.
"Hello Gamateno," Naruto said.
Gamateno waved cheerfully and said, "Hello Naruto-kun! Shima-chan has everything prepared for you!"
"Great," Naruto said as he turned to everyone. "Ok guys, I know what I'm asking for you to do is a lot. But I have great faith in you all that you can get this done."
Before Naruto disappeared Shikamaru said, "Naruto wait. Can I speak with you in private?"
"Of course," Naruto said as the two walked outside.
"What is it Shikamaru," Naruto said.
"It's about what happened this morning during the trial," Shikamaru said. "I know you tried to protect Sasuke by not mentioning him by name. And I used that fact against Krolik. I just wanted to apologize."
For a while Naruto just stared blankly at Shikamaru before placing his hand on his shoulder and smiling. "No need to apologize Shikamaru. I owe you too much to hold something like that against you."
Naruto then turned and walked over to Gamateno who remained sitting watching them speak. "By the way, there was one thing you were wrong about this morning," Naruto said.
"Oh," Shikamaru said.
"The reason I didn't mention Sasuke by name wasn't to protect him," Naruto said. Naruto then turned to face Shikamaru and he could see a cold determination in Naruto's eyes. "I did it because I didn't want Gaara to have any more reasons to go after Sasuke. I don't want anyone to get in my way. Because….Sasuke…is mine. I plan to deal with him myself." Naruto then looked Gamateno and said, "Let's go Gamateno." And with that, Naruto and the toad disappeared in a puff of smoke leaving Shikamaru standing alone in the courtyard.
******Akatsuki Airship******
(THUMP! THUMP!) Lee clutched his chest and fell to his knees as he stood at the edge of the gaping hole left be Muramasa. "Damn," Lee whispered as he looked behind him at the ships controls. Lee got to his feet and walked over to the stick used to control the ship and reached out to grab is when he saw the shadow of a large hand underneath him.
Lee looked up to see an impossibly large paw stretching out from the hole Muramasa created. The claws were quickly descending upon Lee forcing him to leap clear to avoid being skewered. But as Lee leapt clear he was shocked to see something growing out from the creatures arm.
To Lee's amazement it was the upper body of Muramasa who roared and used Lee's brief moment of hesitation to bury his hand through Lee stomach, punching though it cleanly to the other side.
Lee screamed as he experienced a pain he'd never before known and his chakra flared up bathing the room in a green glow. Lee grabbed Muramasa's arm and tried to force it out but to no avail. Muramasa was far too strong in this form and it was then Lee heard Muramasa's bestial laughter.
Angered, Lee began to punch Muramasa in the face, over and over again. Every time a punch landed, green sparks flew out from the pure force of each hit. With each attack Lee could feel Muramasa weakening and could see him reeling back. Finally the beast could take no more and removed its hand from inside Lee's stomach and disappeared back into its arm.
Lee instantly fell to his knees and clutched at the gapping, bloody hole in his side. But much to his surprise it had already begun to heal. So this is the power of the full Eight Gates, he thought. I see now why it's considered so powerful.
Lee then saw the long extended arm begin to shrink to normal size as Muramasa pulled himself out of the hole. This time he looked even more bestial, with all his clothes gone and his entire body now the form of a large blue cat-like creature with two long tails.
Muramasa began to lick its own fur, swallowing clumps of it at a time. Lee instantly knew what he was about to do. Just like last time, he thought. But this time I am prepared. Lee quickly got to his feet and placed his hands in front of his face and exploded with energy.
Forming a fist with one hand he focused all his energy into it and then tapped it forward with his other hand. He then intertwined his fingers and released the energy forward in a large blast that took the form of a tiger. "Afternoon Tiger," Lee yelled as his attack launched towards Muramasa who spat out a large blast of chakra at Lee.
Both blasts of energy struck each other and caused an explosion that tore away the entire ceiling and much of the floor and caused the entire ship to shudder. Far below in the ships cargo hold, several hundred Akatsuki ninja sat waiting for their moment to assault Konoha. One of them, a tall ninja with long white hair and blue eyes sat nearest the exit. He was chosen to lead the ground forces once the second wave began.
"What was that," another ninja asked him. "Have we engaged the enemy already?"
"Possibly," the ninja said. "But that sounded like we took a heavy hit. And if we've already made it to Konoha why haven't we received word from Lord Muramasa to prepare for attack?" The ninja thought about it for a while then stood up.
"I want you six men to come with me," he said. "I want to check on things up above. The rest of you prepare to attack Konoha." The leader along with his men opened the exit and began to make their way up to the bridge.
After climbing several levels up they came across the level which contained the laser control room and were shocked to see it in rubble. "What the hell happened," the leader said. Damn, he thought. This explosion came from inside.
"C'mon we need to head to the bridge," he said to his men as they began to sprint up the nearby stairs. As they went higher and higher they saw increasing amount of damage and found the bodies, or body parts, of comrades.
"What the hell is going on around here," the leader said as the finally reached the bridge. As they arrived they found rubble and body parts scattered about. The walls we all nearly destroyed and the ceiling was ripped away. Most of the floor was destroyed and they could see piles of rubble in the level below. As they looked out they could see they were still flying towards Konoha as they could just make out the mountain range in the distance.
"We're not even in Konoha yet," one ninja said. "What the hell happened here? Who could have caused all this?" Just then the ninja's heard a deep bestial growl coming from a pile of rocks not too far away. To their horror a blue furred beast, broke free from the rubble. There were many cuts and bruises on it and it looked like it lost an eye.
"What is that," one ninja asked.
Frozen in terror the leader stared at the creature as it growled at them. Could that be Lord Muramasa, he thought. Did he do this? Has he lost control again?
Suddenly the creature reared back preparing to leap at them. "No," the leader yelled. "Everyone, run! We need to run now!" But as the creature leapt at them they all knew it was too late.
******Meanwhile – Konoha******
Guy stood in front of several Konoha ninja as the alarms sounded all around. Ten minutes ago word came down that an enemy had passed through their borders and was heading straight for the village. As was standard practice the alarms were raised and all available ninja reported for duty. Many were dispatched to get all civilians to the shelters in the mountain, while others were dispatched to defend the village.
As Guy yelled out orders, Ino and TenTen came running up to him. "Guy-sensei," Ino asked. "What's going on? Which enemy are we facing?"
"I'm not sure Ino," Guy said. "What we do know is that the enemy is traveling into our land on what has been described as a large flying ship. One very similar to the old ships that were used by the Sky Country."
"The Land of Sky," TenTen asked. "But weren't they all destroyed during the Second War?"
"Yes," Guy said. "It's very confusing indeed. But right now we can't worry about that. The old war ships of the Sky were some of the most destructive forces the world has ever known. We need to stop that ship before it makes it to the village. Ino, you head back to the hospital. Lady Tsuande is already there and she will need your help."
"Right," Ino said as she ran off.
"TenTen," Guy said. "I'll need you with my group. We need to hit that thing with every bit of fire power we have and bring it down, got it?"
"Don't worry sensei," TenTen said. "You can't count on me!"
******Meanwhile – Just below the Akatsuki airship******
The escape airboat crashed hard into several trees before coming to an abrupt stop. Neji, Kiba and Akamaru slowly got to their feet after being knocked around by the rough landing. "Damn," Kiba said. "That's definitely not something I want to do again. Are you alright Akamaru?" Akamaru barked weakly as he continued to nurse his front leg. Kiba rubbed Akamaru's head and said, "Don't worry boy. We'll get you home so we can treat your wounds properly."
Kiba then looked to Neji who was quickly scanning the area. "Any idea how far we are from Konoha," Kiba asked.
"Not far," Neji asked. "Maybe five miles or so." Neji continued to scan the area before finding what he was looking for. "There," he said as he suddenly climbed out of the boat and ran off into the trees.
"Hey Neji where are you going," Kiba yelled as Neji ran off. Kiba then climbed out of the boat and helped Akamaru out before following in Neji's direction. The ground began to rise slowly and Kiba knew they were ascending a cliff.
A few minutes later Kiba and Akamaru came through the trees and reached the edge of the cliff where Neji was standing. Looking out Kiba could see what Neji wanted to see. Some distance away, high in the sky was the airship, still on course for Konoha which they could see in the distance.
They could see large plums of smoke coming from an area in the back of the ship which they could assume was from the explosion they'd set of in the weapons control room. But there was also smoke coming from what looked like the front of the ship.
"What's going on,' Kiba asked.
"It looks like Lee and Muramasa are fighting," Neji said. "Lee's chakra level is through the roof right now. He obviously opened the gates. But Muramasa, his chakra level is equal to what he used against us the last time. I don't know if Lee can hold out against him."
"Wait," Kiba said. "You said Lee opened the gates right? Well he opened six last time and it wasn't enough. How many has he opened now?"
"I don't know for sure," Neji said. "But judging by the amount of power he's releasing, he very well could have opened them all."
"All or them," Kiba yelled. "But from what I understand if he opens all of them he'll….."
Neji looked at Kiba with a concerned stare, causing Kiba's words to trail away. Then they looked back to the ship and watched, waited and prayed.
******Meanwhile – Nearby******
"What do you see Hinata," Choji asked as he looked up at Hinata who was standing on top of a high tree. Her Byakugan was activated and she was looking off into the distance.
"You won't believe this but it looks like a giant flying village," Hinata said. "And it's flying straight for Konoha."
"Shit," Choji said. "Any chance that thing is on our side?"
"Doubt it," Shino said. "Whatever that thing is it's probably going to attack."
"Wait a minute," Hinata said. "There was just a large explosion coming from the front of the ship. And I can see a large and very foul chakra coming from right where the explosion was. And another chakra as well. It's very powerful. But…..no….it can't be."
"What is it," Shino asked. "It looks like Lee. But that's impossible. His chakra level is too high! So high that for a second I thought it could have been Naruto! And….."
"And what," Choji asked.
"And it looks like the chakra is overwhelming his body," Hinata said. "It's almost as if the body can't handle the chakra it's releasing. I don't understand what's going on."
"We need to hurry on," Shino said. "Whatever's happening we need to be there just in case. Hinata, Choji let's go."
"Right," Hinata said as she leapt down and followed as they ran towards Konoha.
******Akatsuki Airship******
Lee hung to a broken rafter by his left hand. Far below him he could see the ground as it swiftly passed by. The resulting explosion from the combined attack had ripped the ceiling and front of the bridge clear away. And he was thrown back with it and was nearly thrown clear out of the ship. Lee was able to grab a loose piece of the ship at the last second, preventing what surely would have been a fatal fall to ground below.
Lee grimaced in pain as he stared at the pieces of shrapnel lodged in his right arm. It was bleeding profusely and despite the 8 gates being activated, wasn't healing. He then looked to the wound in his stomach and saw that this had stopped healing as well. (THUMP! THUMP!) Lee then felt a sharp pain in his heart and coughed blood. Time is running out, he thought to himself. My body won't hold up too much longer. I have to end this.
Lee then looked over his shoulder, and in the distance he could see the familiar mountain overlooking Konoha. He had to stop the ship now. Summoning all his strength he began to pull himself up. Lee fought through the pain in his right arm and grabbed an exposed piece of rock and continued pulling himself back to the platform above.
Finally as he pulled himself to the platform, Lee was struck with a horrific sight. Muramasa was standing among the mutilated remains of several Akatsuki ninja. No doubt they had come after hearing the sounds of battle. Unfortunately the one they expected to be their ally was anything but. Muramasa stood growling at Lee, his hands, chest and face dripping with the blood of his comrades.
"So you survived boy," Muramasa said. "You continue to impress us."
Lee closed his eyes as he tried to compose himself. Guy sensei, he thought. I now understand what my purpose is. What all the training and hard work was for. It was not for me I did it, but for you, and Neji, TenTen, Naruto and everyone else. For my home, for my friends and family.
Lee suddenly opened his eyes and exploded with power as he again began to glow bright green. It was then he recalled his training.
******Konoha – One Year Ago******
"Alright Lee," Guy said, "I have shown you the proper stance and execution of both the Morning Peacock and the Afternoon Tiger. Now I will show you the ultimate technique that can only be used when the Eighth Gate is opened.
"Yes sensei," Lee yelled excitedly.
"Now follow after me," Guy said as he stood sideways and slide his left leg forward while bending his right. "Now Lee, as you know opening the Eighth Gate requires making the ultimate sacrifice, because doing so releases all your chakra which overwhelms the body."
Guy, with Lee following behind him, then placed his hands out in front of him with his right hand bent slightly and guarding his chest and his left faced out with both palms out. "This technique takes all the stored up chakra that is now multiplied tenfold thanks to the released Eighth Gate and combines it with all your stamina and power and focuses it into one blast of electrified force."
Lee then followed Guy as he swung his arms out, placing his right arm behind him and his left in front.
"Unlike the Afternoon Tiger," Guy said. "This technique starts as a pinpoint attack but increases in mass so that it can attack one or many enemies with electrified force.'
Guy then tensed his right fist and threw it forward. "But as you can tell," Guy said. "This is a double edged sword. This technique harnesses all of your supercharged energy to create an unstoppable, un-blockable and inescapable technique. But as I said, it uses all of your chakra and stamina, even the amount necessary to keep you alive. So once this technique is used you will die."
Finally Guy stood up straight and said, "Lee it is my hope you never have to use this technique. But if the day comes where you deem it necessary I have complete faith in you. And if you ever use this technique at that moment, you will be exposed to your truth. The name of this technique is….."
******Akatsuki Airship – Now******
Lee slid his left foot forward and bent back slightly on his right. He placed his hands, palm out in front of him as all the power began to focus into his hands. His hands began to glow bright green as green electricity flowed through them.
Seeing this caused Muramasa to shudder in fear and he quickly reared back and he opened his mouth wide. An inhuman sound came from Muramasa as his jaw began to unhinge and his mouth opened wider than anything humanly possible. Suddenly a light began to emanate from his mouth that began to grow in intensity.
Lee then swung his arms out before placing his right arm out behind him, and his left out in front. He could feel the power in both his hands flow into his chest and heart as it pulled all the stamina from his body. Suddenly his entire body began to glow and crackle with green electricity as the power ripped his shirt from his body leaving his chest bare as he began to scream.
Muramasa then released a beam of pure chakra directly at Lee with such intensity that it would rip a mountain in half. Lee then clenched his right hand and threw it forward and to Muramasa's surprise the energy surrounding Lee's right hand took the shape of a green dragon.
"This is my ultimate technique and the truest expression of my youth," Lee said. Suddenly the beam snaked out of Lee's fist like a dragon flying though the wind striking Muramasa's attack head on. Lee then yelled, "The Twilight Dragon!"
Lee's attack quickly began to grow larger and larger as it quickly consumed Muramasa's attack and launched itself at Muramasa himself. Muramasa was shocked to see this green dragon as it slammed into him. The dragon opened its mouth and bit into Muramasa's body as it grabbed him and launched into the back wall. Muramasa was blasted back into another wall and another as the dragon blasted through the entire ship before turning upward and blasting through ceiling after ceiling until it ripped through the entire ship and high into the sky as Muramasa screamed in incredible pain.
Meanwhile Lee, still in his stance and focusing on his attack thought,
Guy Sensei, I think I finally understand what you meant.
I finally see my truth.
All these years I've chased after Neji and Naruto and Sasuke.
Just to prove I was just as good. That I too was a great ninja.
But now I see that greatness dos not come from a person's strength, speed or intelligence.
But from their heart. Their willingness to sacrifice for those they care about.
I think I understand that now. I think I understand why Naruto achieved what he did.
I think now, at the end I think I understand why I was able to achieve this.
Guy-sensei, thank you. You have given me so much. You made my life one worth living.
Neji….Naruto…..Guy sensei…..Kiba…TenTen….everyone…..
Can you see me?
Can you feel my words and my heart as it beats for the last time?
Are you happy for me?
That I've finally found what I've always wanted?
I've finally seen my truth!
I've reached my destiny!
And in my heart I know I've become…..
"Splendid," Neji whispered as he watched the Akatsuki ship explode in a ball of fire high in the sky only a mile from Konoha. Pieces of the ship fell as the fire and smoke seemed to reach the heavens. But what truly took his breath away as the vision of the large green dragon, larger than even Jiraiya's toad summon, towering over the land.
Neji and Kiba could see that it was not an animal summon but in fact was a chakra infused technique that took the form of the beast. Its head was incredibly large with deep angry eyes. Its entire body crackled with electricity as its body wound down back into the heart of the explosion.
After a minute or so the flaming wreckage of the ship fell to the earth leaving the large dragon suspended in the air. The beast seemed to merely float as it looked out over the land before turning to look at Konoha. As Neji inspected the beast he saw that the as the long snake like body wound down it shrank to a small pinpoint. And at the center of that pinpoint Neji could see a body floating there. "Lee," he whispered.
******Meanwhile – Konoha******
Tsunade stood amongst the crowd of onlookers who all stared in amazement at the large dragon in the distance. She could hear the hushed, frightened whispers of those around her as they questioned what this thing was that now hovered above them like a silent protector.
Impossible, Tsunade thought. That must be the Twilight Dragon. But only Guy could perform that if necessary. Tsunade then looked far across the courtyard and saw Guy standing staring at the dragon. His fists clutched so tight his knuckles were white. Standing next to him was Tenten, clearly confused as to what she was seeing. But if Guy is there, Tsunade thought. Then could that be…? Tsunade gasped as the realization dawned on her.
******Meanwhile******
"What is that Sensei," Tenten asked as she stared at the Dragon in awe. "I've never seen anything so incredible like this before. What is it?" Tenten looked to Guy and saw grief in his expression as he stared in the sky. "Guy sensei,' she asked but Guy didn't answer. He couldn't. Guy was at this moment a million miles away.
He was recalling the day he first met his pupil, the day he declared he would become a splendid ninja through hard work, the day he saw Lee's genius and perseverance. "Lee," he whispered as a tear rolled down his cheek. "You've done it. You've achieved truth. And in doing so, you have surpassed me. No longer are you my pupil, but my comrade."
******Meanwhile – High above Konoha******
Lee floated as he could feel his eyes closing. (THUMP! THUMP!) He could feel the wind envelope his body. It was as if he were a bird soaring through the clouds. Free from al the entrapments of the world below and to never again no the feeling of the earth beneath his feet.
As his eyes closed for the last time Lee smiled.
I've done it sensei, he thought.
I've protected my home and the people I care for. (THUMP…THUMP)
I fulfilled my obligation for opening the Eighth Gate.
And I've left no regrets. No…..wait…..there is one
Tenten. I never got to tell you in person. (THUMP…THUMP)
But hopefully Neji will give you my letter.
It's not what I wanted but that will have to do.
I wonder…..what….the next world will be like (THUMP…..THUMP)
I can probably see my mother and father again
And I can train there for as long as I desire. So that I can become really strong.
Yeah…that's….going...to be….great.
(Thump….)
Lee, Guy, Tsunade, Tenten and everyone else stared as the Dragon roared so loud it made the earth shake. Then it slowly began to fade, as if it had been nothing but a dream. And as the last of it faded away on the wind a solitary body, that was once there friend, fell to the earth.
End of Chapter Twelve
Next Time: The Long Road Home