INTRODUCTION
Welcome 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 previous chapter: Kushina's Truth of Hell; Diamond Man; ZeroTail29; InARealPickle; xDARKNESS; SenninClaudio; FoxSage19; melapoy; hideki411; MyHikari; airnaruto45; Codegeasslulu; Anonymous-stalker; Corruptchaos; charles cdv; hothead11; stryker4narusaku; perfect beauty; Cloud Ex SOLDIER; Konoha's Crimson Fox; iRamen; XxMusicBlueLoverxX; Ben Vilhaven & LoveOfYourLife.
RESPONCES
Kushina's - Everyday? lol! Ok, in case you are serious about checking everyday let me tell you this, I submit new chapters ONLY on Sundays or Mondays at the latest. If you don't see one on either day then wait a week. Lol! Plus I always make a point to tell you guys if I'm taking any time off. Unfortunately has been malfunctioning and I couldn't update my story. Fortunately I finall yfound a way around the error.
But, I'm glad I continue to capture your interest and let's see if I can keep you guessing a bit. :)
Diamond Man - I couldn't have summarized it better myself. Things are starting to formulate just as I planned and things are about to heat up. As for Danzo...well...you should read this chapter.
ZeroTail29 - Lol! Everyone sure loves seeing Danzo's plans and machinations begin to fall apart. Well, glad you're enjoying the story.
InARealPickle - Lol! I think you're amazed huh?
xDARKNESS - You know I love the cliffhangers dude. Lol! It doesn't appear as if there will be a delay in the animes and manga so I guess you can enjoy all three interupted.
SenninClaudio - Thanks. Things are going to get insane from here on out!
FoxSage19 - Thanx.
melapoy - This chapter will be action packed. This I promise!
hideki411 - Thanx
MyHikari - Oh, you have no idea how much worse it's going to get. Lol!
airnaruto45 - Lol! You sure are one angery s.o.b. Lol!
Codegeasslulu - Thnx. Glad you're enjoying it so much.
Anonymous-Stalker - I actually went back and watched all the anime episodes that had the 9T talking so I could better get his "voice". Thankfully my extra studying seems to have worked out. As for the war, i wanted this to be a defining moment in everyones lives. In Kishi's canon work he repeatedly made a big deal about how war affected the lives of previous generations. I wanted this war of mine to do the same for those who take part in it.
Corruptchaos - Thanx.
charles cdv - Thanx.
hothead11 - Naruto's plan is one that will define his legacy from this day forward. Nuff said.
stryker4narusaku - Thanx
perfect beauty - Hmm, so you took the long way to discover my little story huh? Lol! Ok, well I'm actually pretty happy you found this through a recommendation. It's always great to hear from new fans. Plotting and characterizations, needless to say, are the paramount focus in this story. I wanted something that made sense as an "alternate version" for Kishi's work while still having a sense of realism. Basically I wanted this story to seem so close to canon that you could almost believe Kishi himself would take it this way.
Cloud Ex-SOLDIER - Shikamaru is an interesting character. As much so as the main one IMO. i wanted him to be affected by this war a little differently. I wanted to explore the darker aspects of his character that Kishi touched on in his fight with Hidan. I think I was able to show that even the lazy genious can go on a rampage. Believe it or not, my OC's are all created on the spot with no previous planning. Unlike the rest of my story they are always spontaneous creations.
You speak about leadership as someone who knows it well. but you are right. Another theme I wanted to get across is how different people view war differently. While some see it as an opportunity for greatness, others see it as a burden where there are no winners, yet, for the sake of those they care for, they must fight and lead others to fight.
As far as tactics are concerned, it's a fine line I have to walk. I have to show the tactical decisions the fighters must make without getting so bogged down with details that the story doesn't progress. Thankfully I think I've nailed a solid medium.
TBH, I've been using the US numbers for BN, BDE etc. That's the numbers i am familiar with. And I think, judging on what Kishi did with his war, that he uses the same version as well. When i say a division I'm referring to 10 to 20 thousand. And Battalion is rougly 300 or more. It's hard to relay that information best to you guys. But try to envision these battels being between hundreds and, at times, thousands of ninja.
Equal screen time is important to me. This may be a fic about Naruto, but the story of Naruto is more than just about one character. I want to show the growth of everyone. Lol! Yeah, i don't find alot of InoxNeji fans. Mostly cuz I don't think they've ever spoken to eachother in the manga. but I think they'd make a great pair. And it's actually funny that you'd say that I should add a few more scenes with them. Very funny indeed.
Marking by bite? Sorry I don't think Sakura would be into that. Lol! I'm glad you liked the pacing of Naruto and Sakura's relationship. I know it was a bit tought for some of my less patient readers. But If I wanted this story to mirror Kishi's canon work, I couldn't rush things with them.
Konoha's Crimson Fox - Lol! i agree. Too bad you can't change you're name OM. I prefer this new one way more. Actually it's a major coincedence that you are using this name because...well...you'll see.
Lol! No Shikaku is safe...for now...hehehe. But you never know who may get killed off next. Glad you liked what I did with Shikamaru btw.
iRamen - You ramen? I ramen too! We should all ramen together! Glad you enjoyed the chapter.
MusicBlueLover - Glad you're enjoying the story and that you finally decided to sign up with . i hope this won't be the last time I hear from you.
Ben Vilhaven - Happy to see you're a fan. Hope you keep reading.
LoveOfYourLife - Sorry for the long wait. but it honestly wasn't my fault. My account was malfunctioning and I was unable to post my updates.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Before I introduce this chapter I'd like to take a moment to say something about the disaster taking place in the country of Japan. As you all know a Tsunami hit North East Japan. Not only were thousands killed or seriously injured but now the Nuclear plants in the area are in danger of meltdown. Many have been exposed to radiation and now some of that radiation is affecting farms and food in the area. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, if you are financially able, please donate anything you can to the relief effort. This country has brought us all high levels of entertainment like Naruto anime and manga. And now these proud people need your help. So please find a way to donate anything you can afford to any organization in your country that is providing aid. REMEMBER - These people were victims of a NATURAL DISASTER, which is something that could happen to any of us.
Also, the reason I didn't release a chapter in so long was because was was down for me. :(
I just wanted you guys to know that it wasn't my fault this time.
Anyway, here is chapter 29 of my story. Please feel free to leave a little review when you're done. Thanks.
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter IXXX: Wrath of the Biju
******Hidden Root Headquarters underneath Konoha******
"What," Danzo yelled in disbelief. "What do you mean he's escaped? How could this even be possible! His shackles were made of chakra draining metal."
"We have reason to believe someone broke in and killed the guards and broke him free Lord Hokage," said a masked ninja who knelt before Danzo. "It looks like they were all victims of explosives. Except for the one guard placed at the door. Based on the remains it looks like he was….."
"He was what," Danzo asked impatiently.
"He was….eaten….My Lord," The ninja responded. "As of now, we have men looking for Kabumaru but we haven't picked up his trail yet."
Danzo swallowed hard and nervously wrung his hands. Damn, Danzo thought. This was it. This was my one shot. There is no hope without Kabumaru's cells. Unless…..?
"Lord Hokage," Fu said. "What is our next move? Do we return to the war room?"
"No," the Hokage said. "Those fools wage a hopeless war at this point. Madara will eventually release the Biju and the war will be over."
"Then what will we do," Fu asked.
Before Danzo could respond another masked ROOT ninja ran frantically towards them. He was clearly out of breath and his body was covered in fresh wounds and his robe was torn and tattered. "Lord Hokage," he said as he arrived and dropped to one knee. "We have an emergency my Lord. Akatsuki ninja have infiltrated our hidden entrance to the East. We've been holding them back but we will soon be overwhelmed."
"What," Danzo yelled. "Shit! How did he even know about that entrance?" Danzo took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself. "Alright," he said. "Fu, take some men and head to the library. I want you to retrieve all the scrolls regarding the Namikaze and bring them to me. We're leaving."
"Leaving," Fu asked. "With all due respect my Lord but the Treasure of the Namikaze is just a myth. We've been looking for anything that can lead us to it and all we've ever gotten is dead end after dead end."
"No Fu, it's real," Danzo said. "And this point it may be the only thing we have that can save this world!"
"And for this we will abandon our home," Fu asked.
"Not abandon Fu," Danzo said. "We leave only to gain the strength necessary to save it. Now go!"
"Yes my Lord," Fu said before he and several ninja ran off.
******Meanwhile******
"Get that gear loaded," Sakura yelled at one of the medics as she scrambled to help get one of her patients onto a mobile bed. "And get those patients ready to go! We need to move now!" Several explosions went off nearby accompanied by deep rumbling and load roars.
Damn it, Sakura thought. We need to hurry. I know everyone is doing their best to fight those things but their definitely getting closer!
"Sakura-chan," yelled a young boy who came running through the crowd. "Sakura-chan!"
Sakura turned to see it was the young boy who she had saved several weeks ago. "Ozuru," Sakura said. "What are you doing here? I sent you to the bunkers back in Konoha!"
"I'm sorry Sakura-chan but I can't just sit around and do nothing," Ozuru said. "I may not be a ninja but I can still help you!"
Sakura looked at the boy and who seemed to show no fear in his eyes. Despite the all the chaos around him she could see his resolve. What he didn't know was that Sakura had gone out of her way to hide him so that, when they were gathering children old enough to fight, he wouldn't be found. The boy was held in prison for god knows how long and was forced to watch his father die, he had been through enough. She wasn't about to let him die for a village that, if not for her, would have abandoned him.
"Ozuru," she said. "It's too dangerous here. Head back to the village!"
"But…." Ozuru said.
"Sakura Tai-cho," yelled a medic as she came running up. "Tai-cho we have a problem!" Another explosion rocked the area causing everyone to brace themselves.
"What is it now," Sakura asked as the thunderous sounds of the explosion died away.
"A large group of the Hyuga clan just arrived," the medic said. "Hinata Hyuga, her sister and her clan were attacked and sustained heavy damages. Hinata herself sustained many wounds including a clean stab through her chest and she's also suffering from failing eye sight!"
"Damn it," Sakura said. "Alright, I'll be right there! You go and continue over-seeing the evacuation! This place is no longer safe." Suddenly, just outside the camp a large ball of dense chakra crashed into the ground and exploded knocking everyone off their feet and crashing about.
As the dust settled everyone slowly began to get up. The entire area was in shambles. "Is everyone alright," Sakura asked. Thankfully the explosion was far enough away that all it did was knock everyone over.
Sakura heard someone moaning nearby and she saw one of the injured ninja laying on the floor. The blast had knocked him out of the bed and the bandages around his chest were quickly becoming soaked in blood. "Ozuru," Sakura said. "I don't really have time to find someone to help this man so if you want to help then come here."
Ozuru knelt beside Sakura as she quickly removed the man's bandages. "We need to stop the bleeding and fix his wound or he'll die," Sakura said. "Do you think you can handle this?" Ozuru nodded nervously but he didn't budge. Sakura couldn't help but smile at him before they got to work.
A few minutes later she and Ozuru were finished treating the man's wounds. Once she was satisfied that the man was stable Sakura got to her feet. "Good work Ozuru," she said. "You've got a knack for this. Ok, I want you to stay with him until someone comes to transport him and then you will travel with them."
"But..."Ozuru said.
"No buts," Sakura yelled. "You will do as I say, understand?" Ozuru nodded as Sakura ran off to check on Hinata and her clan.
Once she was gone Ozuru sat back and looked at the man. He was taking deep, shallow breaths, his eyes were wide and he shook slightly as he fought through the pain in his chest. Eventually he noticed Ozuru looking at him and he forced a smile. "Thank you for your help," he said weakly. "You're a good kid to want to help us like this. Everything will be ok."
Ozuru stared at the man in silence. As he looked at the man's face he could picture his father, smiling at him as the Akatsuki ninja took him away. "Ozuru," his father said. "It's ok Ozuru. Everything will be ok."
Those were the last words he ever heard his father speak. "You ok kid," the man asked.
A tear rolled down Ozuru's face as he looked at the man. "Yes sir," he said as he bowed. "Thank you."
******Meanwhile – Office of the Hokage - Rooftop******
"This can't be happening," Ino yelled as she stared out at the scene before her. Ten minutes ago things seemed to be getting better. The armies of both Sunagakure and Kumogakure had arrived and were able to put Akatsuki's forces back on their heels. Finally things were looking up.
Now Ino stood as she bared witness to hell coming to earth. To the east, west and north, four demons proceeded to wreak havoc on everything in its path. She recognized them from the history books she had read: The One Tailed Shukaku, The Four Tailed Monkey, The Five Tailed Dolphin Horse and Six Tailed Slug. "This is impossible," she said. "They can't be here! This isn't fair. H-how can we possibly fight off something like that?"
Ino could feel all strength leaving her as she felt on the verge of collapse. It was then she heard someone calling her. It was Naruto screaming her name, pulling her from her ever growing despair. "Ino," Naruto screamed as he remained seated. "Ino, I need you to focus right now!"
"W…what," Ino said as she finally looked at Naruto. "R…right! Right! Ok, Naruto what do you need!"
Just then the door to the roof crashed open and the two guards posted to watch Naruto quickly moved to guard him. They relaxed when they saw it was Neji. "Naruto," he yelled. "Do you see this!'
"Neji," Ino yelled as she ran into his arms. They hugged for a brief moment before Ino asked, "Why are you up here? You should be in bed!"
"Are you serious," Neji said. "Who could sleep with all this going on! Besides I can rest when this is all over." Neji paused when he looked at Naruto. His body was glowing with so much chakra that he could see it without his Byakugan. "What the…"
"Ino," Naruto yelled. "I need you here now!"
"Right," Ino said as she ran over. "What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to contact all of the division captains at the same time and put me in contact with them," Naruto said. "Can you do that?"
"I….I don't know," Ino said. "I only recently learned how to communicate telepathically with people outside my clan about a year ago. And I've never tried to contact so many at the same time."
"I know it will be difficult but I need you to do this," Naruto said calmly. 'That's why I wanted you here with me on the roof of the highest point in Konoha."
"You can do this Ino," Neji said. "I believe in you."
Ino smiled and nodded. "Alright," she said. "Let me contact them and then I'll connect them to you."
******Meanwhile******
Kurenai ducked behind a large boulder as the blast of pure chakra struck the ground sending the bodies of her comrades flying into the air. After the arrival of the Alliance forces she had convinced herself, for a brief moment, which they were going to survive this after all.
Then her world was thrown into a deeper abyss when, inexplicably the Five Tailed Dolphin Horse appeared half a mile away and proceed to destroy everything. Within moments it had destroyed part of the landscape and killed countless ninja. Now they were scrambling, just trying to stay alive and somehow find a way to bring that thing down.
"Kurenai-taicho," Tenten yelled as she ran through the destruction and knelt by her. "What do we do? Everything we're throwing at it doesn't work!" Just the creature bucked wildly, kicking away trees and Alliance ninja alike. Bodies were flying everywhere as everyone desperately fought back.
"Get all of the weapon users in formation," Kuranei yelled. "All we can do is hit that bastard with as much ammo as we've got!" Just then Kurenai heard screams coming from in the forest and another large force of Alliance ninja, along with Konoha's Second Division, led by Guy, came running out towards the beast.
"We need to hold that beast back long enough for the long range fighters to set up," Guy yelled as he sprinted towards the beast.
******Meanwhile******
The bodies of several ninja were launched in the air as the blast struck the ground. Konohamaru felt his blood run cold as he saw the dismembered body of a ninja land nearby. He then looked up to see that he was standing in the shadow of the large Four Tailed Monkey. "Konohamaru we have to keep hammering that thing," Shikaku yelled.
Konohamaru took a deep breath and created as large a rasengan as he could. It was the size of a soccer ball and he ran at the beast. "Rasengan," he yelled as he slammed it into the creatures' leg. The Four Tails roared in pain and then looked down and saw Konohamaru.
The beast swung one of its tails towards him. "Look out," a ninja yelled as everyone scattered. The tail crashed into the ground throwing people everywhere. Again the beast roared and then fired a blast of molten lava from its mouth striking several dozen Alliance ninja, killing them instantly.
******Meanwhile******
The Six Tailed slug spat a massive blast of corrosive acid that landed on several ninja who all screamed as they died in agonizing pain. The smell of melting flesh was high in the air as Yamato and his Division as well as The Raikage and his army fought to defeat the beast.
"You're name is Yamato right," The Raikage asked as the used several boulders for cover. "I can see you're a Wood Jutsu user. Can you create something large enough to hold that fucking thing?"
"Yes," Yamato said. "But I doubt it'll hold for more than a minute."
"That's all I need," The Raikage said. "Alright men! Time to take the fight to that beast! Let's move out!"
The Raikage, Omoi and Karui were at the head of an army of Kumo ninja as they sprinted at the Biju from all sides. Yamato created several hand signs and then large columns of wood sprouted from the ground all around the slug and intertwined itself around it. The Biju began to roar as it tried to pull itself free. Yamato remained in his pose as he struggled to keep the Biju immobilized, but he could see that the wood was sizzling and slowly burning away. Damn, Yamato thought. That slimy stuff all over its skin must be corrosive. "Raikage-sama," Yamato yelled. "Whatever you're planning you better hurry up! I can't hold him for long!"
"You heard him," The Raikage yelled. "Hit him with everything you've got!" Darui released his Black Panther Lightning Jutsu while Karui and Omoi each released thin blasts of lightning from their swords as they made slashing motions towards the beast.
The Biju roared as it was struck by barrage after barrage of jutsu and explosive arrows and kunai until it was covered in a thick smoke. The Raikage raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop as he waited to see if they had defeated the creature.
As the smoke began to clear everyone could see the Biju's silhouette in the smoke and the Raikage raised his hand, prepared to order his men to continue the attack. But as the last of the smoke cleared away were shocked to see that the Slug had created a large ball of slime covered chakra and the creature quickly fired it at them.
"Everyone get down," the Raikage screamed just as the blast struck engulfing everyone in light.
******Meanwhile******
Gaara knelt beside one of his men and felt for a pulse. Nothing, he thought as he took a deep sigh and stood up. He looked around and saw the bodies of not only his own ninja, but that of Konoha as well scattered about. Some appeared as though every bone in their bodies had been broken; others were twisted in horrible, inhuman ways. And more still were missing limbs and in some cases entire halves of their bodies.
"What a terrible power," Gaara said as he listened to the sounds of his and Konoha's ninja fighting desperately to fight off that creature. It was a creature that tormented him for years. From his earliest memories as a child he could hear its whisper in the darkest recesses of his mind. He heard its mocking laughter and during his restless nights he could see its evil grin. It tormented his dreams until he could no longer sleep. "Kill them," it would say. "Hurt them. They hate you. They fear you. They make you feel pain. Make them pay."
For years that voice was the only companion he had until he found another way. Until the day Naruto showed him that he had a choice. So he chose to be better. He chose to make and cherish bonds. And most importantly, he chose to never allow this creature the chance to hurt anyone any more as long as he breathed. It was an oath Gaara of the Sand swore to keep even if it costs him his life.
"Everyone fall back," Gaara screamed to everyone in ear shot. "I said fall back to a safe distance!"
Temari, Kankuro and the rest of the Allied forces began to fall back. Temari and Kankuro ran up to Gaara and Kankuro asked, "What's wrong Gaara! We're not giving up are we?'
"No but its obvious you're not putting a dent into him," Gaara said. "This fight has to be mine and mine alone."
Kankuro and Temari were shocked. "Are you insane Gaara," Temari yelled. "Not even you are strong enough to defeat that thing alone!'
"Yeah Gaara," Kankuro said. "I know you feel responsible some what but that would be suicide! We need to work together!"
"No," Gaara said. "I once made a vow that I would never let that creature harm another comrade. I will keep my vow. Now I want you both to lead my army away from here."
"Gaara," Kankuro said.
"This is not a request," Gaara suddenly erupted. "I am ordering you both to lead your comrades to safety!"
"Right," Kanakuro said hesitantly. "We'll clear the area and wait for your return. Come on Temari."
"What," Temari yelled in disbelief. "You two can't be serious!"
"Temari," Kankuro yelled.
"No Kankuro, I won't be silent," Temari responded. "I'm not going to let my little brother throw away his life! And I will not leave his side! If you fight, then I fight!"
"Temari," Gaara said solemnly. "I can't fight at my best if you are by my side. And I can't fight if I'm worried about the safety of my people. I need you to guide them."
Temari looked at her brother for a moment and tears began to well in her eyes. "If you stay here alone you're going to die," she said.
To her surprise Gaara smiled. "I am the Kazekage of the Sand. If I have to die to protect my people then I will do so happily. But I guarantee you this. Not one more of my comrades or family will die because of that creature. I promise you this. Not…one….more."
Temari hugged Gaara for a moment that threw him off for a minute. It was then Gaara realized that after all these years he doesn't remember Temari ever hugging him. She really wasn't the type to show that kind of emotion.
Once she let go Temari said, "We'll see you soon little brother."
"Right," Gaara said as his brother and sister reluctantly walked away. A moment later Gaara called out. "Temari," he said causing Temari and Kankuro to look back at him. "In case the worst does in fact happen I want you to act as Kazekage until one is voted for by the people."
Temari stared at Gaara for a moment and then looked to Kankuro who nodded to her. "Right," she said. "I understand." The two siblings then turned and signaled for everyone to fall back.
Gaara stood quietly until he was sure his people were far enough away. The entire time there was nothing but silence as it seemed the demon had departed. Satisfied that he was alone Gaara took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Sand slowly began to flow out of the gourd on his back and dropped to his ground and formed a platform under his feet. It then slowly began to rise taking him higher and higher into the sky until he was floating above the trees.
Gaara opened his eyes and standing before him was the large creature with yellow, menacing eyes. "Hello Shukaku," Gaara said.
Shukaku glared down at Gaara and then roared as loudly as it could before it raised its large paw and swung at Gaara. More sand slowly flowed out of Gaara's gourd and took the shape of a spear and a shield and Gaara then took off towards Shukaku.
******Meanwhile******
Shikaku's body was blown back from the force of the explosion and landed hard on the ground. He moaned as he grabbed his head and fought through the pain that wracked his body. As he regained his focus he watched as the remained of the Alliance forces fought desperately to defeat the Four Tailed Monkey. There's no way, he thought. There's just no way we can defeat that thing.
Reluctantly he knew what he had to do. "Fall back," he began to yell. "We need to fall back and regroup!" Just then he heard a familiar voice come to him as if from nowhere.
"Shikaku Tai-cho," Ino said. "Can you hear me?"
Shikaku looked about but saw no sign of Ino. "Ino," he asked. "Is that you?"
"Yes Tai-cho," Ino responded. "I'm talking to you telepathically. I've also connected you with the other Captains as well."
"Is that true," Shikaku asked.
"Yes I'm here," Yamato said.
"Me too," Kurenai answered.
"I'm here as well," Guy said.
"As am I," Ao said.
"Ok," Shikaku said. "What do you want?"
"It's not me," Ino said. "It's Naruto who wants to speak to you."
Naruto stood in front of Ino as she placed her fingers on his forehead. "Alright Naruto," she said. "You're connected."
"Hey guys it's me," Naruto said. " I need you guys to hold the Biju as long as you can until I can put my plan into motion."
"Plan," Kurenai asked. "What plan?"
"First off, do you all still have those special kunai I gave you," Naruto asked to which they all said yes. "Ok, I have a new jutsu that I think can stop the Biju," Naruto said. "But I need you all to hold them for about five minutes as I put it together. Then, when I give you the signal I need you to throw those kunai as close to the Biju as possible. I'll take it from there."
"You'll take it from there," Sakura yelled. "What the hell do you mean you'll take it from there!"
Naruto opened his eyes in shock. "S…Sakura," he said nervously. "You're connected in this conversation too?"
"Of course I am you idiot," Sakura yelled. "Now what do you mean you'll take care of things from there? You promised not to do anything reckless!"
Naruto looked at Ino and said, "Why did you connect Sakura with us?"
"You said to connect you with the captains in the field," Ino said as she shrugged. "Sakura is a captain."
"Damn," Naruto said. "Ok, Sakura I need you to trust me on this one ok."
"No way Naruto," Sakura yelled. "You need to stay in the village. We need to keep you safe!"
"No where will be safe if we don't stop those Biju," Naruto yelled.
"We can find a way," Sakura yelled.
"And how many more people will die until you do," Naruto responded. "No Sakura, I need to handle this myself."
"We have one problem Naruto," Shikaku said. "Gaara and his army was separated from us. They're fighting the One Tail alone and he doesn't have one of your kunai."
"Don't worry," Guy sansei said haughtily. "I'll get to him. I'm faster than any of you!"
"Right," Naruto said. "We're counting on you Guy-sensei."
"Wait a minute Naruto," Sakura yelled. "We're not done here….!
Before Sakura could continue Naruto walked away from Ino, severing his connection with the others. "Ino, can you remain in contact with them for the next few minutes?"
"I'll try Naruto," Ino said. "It takes a massive amount of chakra to do this."
Ino then felt someone's hand on her shoulder. It was Neji who didn't even look at her. "Don't worry Naruto," he said. "Ino can do it." Ino smiled and looked at Naruto and nodded.
Naruto quickly bit his left thumb and rubbed the blood on his right palm and placed in on the ground. A small bit of smoke appeared and as the smoke cleared they saw Shima sitting there.
"Naruto-boy," she said. "I guess since you've summoned me then it's time?"
"Yes Granny Toad," Naruto said as he quickly removed the large scroll from his back and placed it on the ground.
Shima jumped up and unrolled he scroll and said, "I hope you know what you're doing boy."
"When do I ever," Naruto said as he sat down. "I need you to summon back four of the clones I left at Mt. Myoboku.
"Right," Shima said as she placed her hand on the summoning scroll and then four puffs of smoke appeared. Out of each one there stood a clone of Naruto, each glowing with sage chakra. "Ok," Shima said. "Now remember, you only have four others left."
"Alright," Naruto said to the clones, "You know what to do." Each clone began to create a rasengan and began to pour as much sage chakra into them as possible. "Alright you Fox," Naruto said to the Nine Tails. "You know what to do. Give me as much power as you can."
Naruto himself began to glow bright red, forcing Ino, Neji and the guards to shade their eyes. To their amazement Naruto became covered in a red shroud with seven tails.
Naruto suddenly began to push that chakra into his clones that they each took that chakra and put it into their rasengan's. Sorry Sakura, Naruto thought as he pushed more and more chakra out. But if I told you what my plan was, you'd never let me do it.
******Meanwhile******
Yamato dispelled the wood dome that he created over himself and everyone nearby, including The Raikage and his forces. The entire surrounding area was scorched and burned away from the acid the Slug had spat out. The Slug itself was still trapped by the wood columns Yamato had wrapped it in but it was quickly breaking.
"All right," The Raikage yelled. "You heard Yamato! We need to hold that thing for as long as we can! Failure is not an option!" All the ninja sprinted at the slug and began to hammer it with every long distance weapon and ninjutsu in their arsenal.
The Slug roared in anger and pain and finally broke through its bonds and swung its tails about, thrashing into trees and rocks. The ground shook every time a tail struck the ground. The Raikage suddenly sprinted out in front of everyone towards the beast. "Lord Raikage don't," Darui yelled. "That things body is covered in the same acid that it spits out!"
But it was too late, the Raikage, covered in his lightning armor, reared back and punched the Biju with all the might he could muster forcing it back and down to the ground. Everyone stood around in stunned silence. "What the hell are you all standing around for," The Raikage yelled. "Keep attacking unless you want to die!" Everyone roared and began to hit the Biju with everything they could.
The Raikage looked at his fist and grimaced. He could see burn marks on his fingers and knuckles. Hmmm, he thought. Even with my armor its corrosive slime could get through. Just then the beast roared and began to get up. The Raikage could see his men backing up and he yelled, "Do not fall back! Do not show fear! We must continue to attack!"
Again the Raikage sprinted at the beast with blinding speed. The Biju spat more acid out striking several ninja, melting them away. The Raikage dodged the Biju's attack as Darui and Yamato appeared next to him. "I need you to draw its attention," the Raikage yelled.
"Right," Darui said. "Sorry." Yamato made several hand signs and several large, sharp edged wood columns shot out of the ground and punctured the Biju, holding it in place. The Biju roared in pain.
Darui then made several hand signs and said, "Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave!" Darui then spat out a massive volume of water from his mouth that crashed into the beast and as the water died down Darui followed it up with his Black Panther Lightning Release that struck the Biju and the water it was standing in.
The Biju roared in a high pitched, almost whining screams as it was being electrocuted. Then out of no where, the Raikage appeared and punched the creature in the face, knocking it over. The Raikage winced in pain as he felt the skin on his fist sizzle.
The Slug remained motionless on the ground and the hundreds of Alliance ninja began to cheer. The Raikage began to walk away when the beast suddenly opened its eyes and glared at the Raikage as he walked away from it. The Slug suddenly spat a ball of acid at the Raikage. "Watch out!," Yamato yelled as he leapt to push the Raikage clear.
******Meanwhile******
Guy sprinted through the forest as he headed towards Gaara and the One Tail. I have less than five minutes to get there, he thought. I need to go all out. Guy suddenly began to run even faster as seemed like a green blur moving towards his destination. I'm on my way Gaara, Guy thought. I just hope you can hold out until then.
******Meanwhile******
Gaara gasped for air as he remained on one knee. The Armor of Sand that covered his body was cracked and broken and was falling away in clumps. His Spear and Shield were broken and lay in clumps of sand next to him and his gourd began to break away into sand and fall to the ground.
Above him was Shukaku glaring down at him. "Hahahaha," Shukaku laughed. "Boy! I've been waiting for this! Do you fear me! Wahahahaha! I'm gonna kill you good!"
"For years you tormented me in my dreams and my waking mind," Gaara said as he slowly got to his feet. All the piles of surrounding sand began to combine and swirl up his body completely covering him up to his waist. "But I stopped being scared of you very long time ago ago," Gaara said. "You have been a blight upon the human world long enough. It ends here."
Gaara began to rise into the sky as a large wall of sand rose underneath him until he came face to face with Shukaku and said, "I am Gaara, Kazekage of the Sand. And I will personally send you back to hell where you belong."
End of Chapter Twenty Nine
Next Time: Namikaze Naruto: Konoha's Crimson Tornado
"...For they may act thier dream with open eyes to make it possible..."
The Curse...is coming.