SONIC HEROES: THE SERIES
Naruto © Kishimoto
Tomo © Kiba Sniper
Chapter Seventy: Pein and Suffering, Part 2
It was an awkward first meeting for six well known warriors in The Village Hidden in Rain. Tomo and Nack were assigned to hunt down Black Doom when they encountered Naga and his apprentice, Kai. Due to a misfortunate misunderstanding, both sides engaged each other in battle. For a few short moments, it seemed like the venomous serpent had won until Master Nyrox and his apprentice, Xenot, broke up the fight. Under Nyrox's command, the group decided to come to a comprimise. All was going well at the moment except for one thing: the arrival of a new lethal enemy in the form of a lion. Not much was known about this enemy, but one rare distinction gave him away: his purple multi-ringed eyes. Tomo was literally shaking from the sight of this man.
"It's been a while, Tomo." The lion said.
"Hey, you know this guy?" Nack asked, tossing away the charred remains of his hat.
"He's the leader of the Akatsuki: Pein." Tomo said shakily.
"Pein?" Xenot sniggered. "That's a dumb name."
"Xenot isn't exactly common either." Kai stated emotionlessly.
"You wanna go another round!" Xenot shouted angrily. "Cause I'm up for kicking you behind across the floor again."
"You merely caught me off guard." Kai said carelessly. "In a forward fight, you would not stand a chance."
"Why I oughta..." Xenot seethed
"Enough, Xenot!" Nyrox said sternly. "We have other problems to contend to."
"If you consider this a problem." Naga hissed. "His appearance may be intimidating, but I can tell he is not at all what he appears." He turned to Nyrox. "My creator, Orochimaru, told me much about this 'Pein'. He acts like a child playing with a toy that does not belong to him."
"Then I can finish this, no problem." Xenot said confidently. The armored warrior held out his hands to collect a mass of black particles from the air. The particles formed together into his signature black-steeled double-bladed sword. He shifted a look in Kai's direction. "Hope you're taking notes."
"Hmph." Kai huffed.
"Be careful, Xenot." Nyrox warned. "You don't what you are getting in..."
But before the aged master could finish, Xenot had already taken flight from the scattered pipelines. Pein followed the young warrior's movements across the plaza and did nothing as Xenot dropped overhead with his blade raised. But just as Xenot's blade made contact with Pein's mane, a wave of electricity flowed down the steel of the blade and shot the warrior across the plaza. Though he had no heart, Kai could hide the state of surprise on his expression. Groaning loudly, Xenot tried to push himself back up. Unfortunately, Pein appeared before him and placed an open palm on the warrior's chest, releasing a surge of electricity. Xenot cried out in pain as the wave of electricity began to rip through his suit and slightly cracked the visor of his helmet. Just when Pein was ready to finish the job, he released Xenot in order to stop a series of flying daggers from stabbing him from behind. When he looked back, Kai had already rushed Xenot to safety.
"T-thanks." Xenot said gratefully.
"Don't mention it..." Kai said coldly. "...Ever."
"Xenot, you and Kai try to run for safety while Naga and I fend him off." Nyrox instructed before looking over Tomo and Nack. "And take them with you. They are obviously in no condition to fight."
"You do not command me." Kai glared.
"Do what he says, Kai." Naga hissed.
Kai wondered what reason Naga would have to retreat, but refrained from asking. As his apprentice picked up the armored warrior, Naga noticed something odd about Xenot. He was desperately using his powers to patch up his suit and the venomous cobra noticed a wisp of darkness escaping from the small opening.
"Nyrox's apprentice is nothing but absolute darkness." Naga thought. "The only thing keeping his soul bound to this world is by suppressing that darkness into the suit. That bit of information will be useful later."
Master and apprentice nodded to each other before jumping across the rooftops to safety. Nack, powered by fear, gained the strength of ten men and scrambled to the roof while carrying Tomo over his head. Pein made direct movement to follow them, but stepped back when a sharpened claw motioned past his face. Looking over, Pein was able to sidestep past Naga's kick as the Heartless snake was soaring across the plaza. Seeing an opening in Naga's defenses, Pein held out his hand and began to gather a culmination of electricity in his palm. But before his could strike, Nyrox zoomed in with yellow staff and knocked Pein's hand away, sending the electric bolt flying across the sky. The aged master swung his staff around again, but Pein had already jumped across the plaza before he could hit.
"Do not interfere." Pein instructed. "I do not have any quarrel. I merely seek to punish my betrayer."
"But violence is not the answer." Nyrox stated calmly. "Perhaps you could try coming to an agreement of some sort."
"That is just sad." Naga shook. "Preaching to a hopeless cause."
"We do not need any blood to be shed, Naga." Nyrox glared. "I thought you would have learned from your previous mistakes."
"Why waste our time in agreement when others are bound to break their words?" Naga hissed angrily, sending a hateful glare to the fox master. "I bet you would know a lot about breaking words."
"What he speaks of is true." Pein stated. "A once innocent promise grows to be nothing more than a false testament. Only through pain can one learn to grow and see the truth in a field of lies. That is how I have come to become the only man in a world of infants."
"With what you say, you consider yourself to be higher than mortal." Nyrox said.
"You are a normal person." Pein continued. "But I, living in an infinite universe of pain, have grown from a normal man into something greater...into a God. And as a God, what I think and what I say becomes the law of a God."
"You do not understand what it means to be a God." Naga hissed furiously. "How could you, a mere child, understand what truly lies beyond this universe?"
"Things I could not comprehend as a simple man are clear to me now." Pein said. "With endless pain I have evolved beyond any breed of life."
"And what exactly do you have planned with your 'godly' powers?" Nyrox questioned.
"Though we exist on this world, it is still in a state of infancy." Pein said lowly. "To help it grow, I will force it to evolve through pain just as I have. And then, this world will become truly perfect."
"And you plan to use the ongoing war to do it." Naga hissed. "That is why you have been helping that infection, Black Doom. You sell him the weapons and he brings the destruction."
"And Tomo knows about this." Nyrox continued. "That is why you wish for her death."
"We must all grow in time; I am merely pushing it forward." Pein said, holding out his palms. "Now allow yourselves to mature and experience true pain."
Suddenly, a series of electrified bolts escaped from Pein's palms and showered over his enemies. Nyrox pressed his foot into the ground, which called a wall of stone to protect them. Unfortunately, Nyrox had only realized it was a trap when Pein jumped over the wall with his claw covered in electricity. Surprisingly enough, it was Naga who came to his rescue. The venomous serpent coiled himself around Pein's body and they both slammed into the ground. Taking the opportunity, Nyrox summoned a yellow broad sword made from light particles. As he swung the blade over Pein's head, the Akatsuki Leader released a barrier of electricity. The barrier not only burned Naga completely, but it expanded and enveloped Nyrox within it. Pein stood up and inspected his recent kill, but was surprised by the fact that they were not Nyrox or Naga. It was two villagers both wearing the same clothing and skin as the two masters.
"This will prove to be more difficult than I thought." Pein said. He held his hand to the sky and a bird made of paper landed into his palm. Pein brought his hand down to direct the paper bird. "But they won't get far. You know waht to do, Konan."
The scene shifts to the other side of the village as Naga and Nyrox were jumping across the rooftops in a hasty retreat.
"I still don't approve of that tactic!" Nyrox shouted, following the Heartless snake. "Those innocent villagers did not have to get involved in our battle."
"Be grateful." Naga hissed, jumping to another roof. "If I had not replaced ourselves with them, we would be in their place. Besides, sacrifices need to be made for the greater good." His eyes gazed to the aged master. "I believe it was you who taught me that, Master Nyrox."
"I know what I said." Nyrox said sadly. "And I regret every mistake."
"Such as the mistake with your apprentice." Naga grinned, drawing the attention of the fox master. "Oh, I know everything about him now. You made a mistake and now he suffers for it. He is a shadow forced to live the rest of his life it that suit." He looked back momentarily. "I can understand his suffering."
"It as been twenty-three years and you haven't changed, Naga." Nyrox said grimly.
"Oh, I've changed." Naga stated, stopping for a moment to confront the aged master. "I am no longer that helpless infant you and King discovered in the forest. After you ruined everything I worked for, I began to grow stronger without your help. I have seen the truth in the darkness. I regret my foolish ways in my younger days."
"Do you still blame us for that?" Nyrox questioned. "It was not our decision to make. Your heart had become too tainted with darkness and greed. My master knew that you were not the Destined One."
"I remember." Naga glared. "That decrepit old fool was too blinded by his own jealousy. He envied my skills and deliberately denied me when he knew that I was the right choice."
"Master Xehanort was the wisest man that ever lived!" Nyrox exclaimed. "He was far greater than you'll ever be!"
"Then explain to me why he's dead?" Naga smirked.
It a moment of outrage, Nyrox was threatened to kill the snake on the spot. Just then, Nyrox dropped to his knees and clutched his chest in pain. Naga knew that Nyrox suffered from exceeding heart pains due to his defiance to the laws of nature and enjoyed watching him suffering. After taking a few deep breaths, Nyrox managed to regain control of his pulses. At that moment, Kai and Xenot arrived to assist their masters; Nack was still carrying Tomo as he followed them.
"Damn, I never knew she was so heavy." Nack panted. Tomo snapped out of her trance after hearing Nack claim and slapped him senseless. "Oh, now she's awake."
"It's good to have you back." Xenot sniggered.
"Whatever." Tomo scoffed. "Anything happen while I was out."
"Naga and I confronted Pein." Nyrox informed. "As expected, he is far more powerful than we could have imagined. We were barely able to hold our own against him."
"Of course you didn't stand a chance against Pein." Tomo said seriously. "Pein is one of the most powerful beings in this world. Even Lord Nazo would tremble at his presence."
"Sounds like you admire him." Kai said blandly.
"I'm just being realistic." Tomo countered. "From all the stories I had heard from the other Akatsuki members, Pein has never been defeated in a battle. He even killed the legendary Hanzo the Salamander and everyone that was connected to him."
"Since you seem to know a lot about this guy." Naga sneered. "Why don't you inform us of what we are dealing with?"
"Actually, this is the first time I've ever seen him." Tomo said sheepishly; the others groaned. "But I have learned that Pein is purposely creating war and capturing the Tailed-Beasts to further his plan. And from what Kakuzu Sensei told me, Pein is also in possessing of a legendary Rinnegan."
"The Rinnegan?" Naga repeated.
"You know of it, my lord?" Kai asked.
"I've done previous research when working with Orochimaru." Naga explained. "The Rinnegan is the most powerful of all dojutsu. It was first discovered by the Sage of Six Paths, the creator of ninjutsu. Legend has it that whoever possesses the Rinnegan will be able to perform any technique imaginable and control the six natural elements."
"That's strange." Nyrox said thoughtfully. "If he has control over the six elements, why is he only using the lightning element?"
"I don't know, but I think we have bigger problems." Nack said.
The other five stared at the weasel strangely as he pulled out his pistol. Suddenly, Nack spun around on his heel and fired at a nearby shop below. The bullet ricocheted off the wall, effectively frightening the paper bird near the window sill. The group watched as the paper bird took to the sky and was headed back to the direction of the plaza.
"We've been found out." Xenot said. "Any moment now, Pein will realize where we are."
"And what are we supposed to do when he gets here?" Kai questioned.
"Well...I might have an idea." Tomo said.
Ten minutes later, Pein jumped down from his tower and landed in the central shopping district where Nyrox and the others were found. The shoppers scattered and screamed once their God had arrived; they dived into any place considered safe. With the use of his Rinnegan, Pein scanned the area for any signs of his prey. So far, all he could see was the energies of the locals; not a trace of any abnormal energy.
"They must be concealing their energies." Pein muttered. "No doubt the work of the sage." His multi-ringed eyes continued to search down the narrow streets. "Where are you hiding?"
"I do not hide from a feeble opponent."
Pein stared into the air when he noticed Kai hovering over him. The blue-haired Nobody reached into his jacket and sent a hailstorm of daggers aimed for Pein. The Akatsuki Leader did not show fear, but released several bolts from his body to reflect every dagger. As Kai landed, Pein released an electrified wave of energy into the ground. Kai was fast, but even he could never outrun lightning. Just as they about to connect, Xenot's sword cut into the ground in front of Kai and absorbed the attack. A moment later, the warrior himself jumped next to Kai before grabbing his sword.
"Thanks." Kai said disgustedly.
"Heh! Now we're even." Xenot sniggered.
"You believe a few children would be enough to defeat me?" Pein said.
"Hey, who are you calling children?" Xenot exclaimed. "I'm sixteen for your information!"
While they were distracted, Pein glanced to the clouds above. In that instant, two large bolt of lighting escaped and charged downwards towards their targets. Barely noticing this, Kai grabbed Xenot by his collar and dragged the armored warrior into an alley. It may have saved them from the attack, but it now left both warriors at a dead end. And to make matters worse, Pein stepped in the path which served as their only escape. He held out his hand for an attack, but was stopped when he felt something cling against one of the studs on his forearm. Pein's multi-ringed eyes searched around the street and found Nack on a nearby rooftop with his pistol raised.
"Damn, this thing must be defective." Nack cursed, pounding his pistol into the concrete
"Allow me to assist you."
"Hey, thanks." Nack said happily. Unfortunately, he discovered the one who offered help was Pein, who was standing straight behind him. "Why don't I ever get a break?"
Pein raised his hand, which was covered in a mass of electricity, and stabbed it forward at the weasel. Thankfully, Nack was such a klutz that it actually saved his life. The weasel fell back over the roof edge and barely avoided Pein's attack. While Nack collided with the ground, Pein ripped away at the building, destroying the support that lifted the place up. Nack groaned as he sat up, not noticing the collapsing building falling over him. Fortunately, Kai appeared from nowhere and dragged the weasel down the street in under five seconds.
"Think he's finish?" Nack asked hopefully.
"I doubt it." Xenot answered.
As the dust cloud began to fade from the ruins, Pein could be seen walking back into the street without as much as a scratch. The trio gathered their weapons as Pein slowly made his way towards them. No one made any sudden movements in any case that Pein would find a way to counteract them. Pein stopped a few yards away from them, his eyes closed in concentration. Xenot and Kai remained cool under the pressure, but Nack was shaking from head-to-toe. Because of his nasty trigger finger, Nack accidentally shot a bullet without warning. Suddenly, Pein's eyes shot wide open and a powerful force of electricity culminated around his body. The bullet rebounded off the electric field. Pein raised his arm to the sky, sending every volt in his body into the clouds. The trio looked on in wonderment.
"What do you think he's up to now?" Xenot asked.
"After all we've been through today, do you even have to ask?" Kai replied sarcastically.
"You have been deemed unworthy by your performance." Pein said judgmentally. "You're abilities in battle have been unacceptable in the face of God. As such, you shall be punished in the most prominent way."
"I don't like where this is going." Nack said cowardly.
"Experience true pain!" Pein exclaimed.
With everything said, Pein brought down his arm. This action created a cataclysmic reaction in the clouds and ripped the sky open. The trio looked up in fear, with the exception of Kai, when they noticed a gigantic sphere of electrical energy. In one ravage move, the sphere shot itself down to Earth. Kai and Xenot raised their weapons, but even they weren't powerful enough to stop the attack. Just when the battle looked finish, a swirling object was tossed from a nearby tower and cut into the center of the sphere. The sudden attack ripped the sphere in two and Pein recalled the electricity back into his body. While the trio, except Kai, celebrated the survival, Pein noticed found the object that destroyed his attack cut into one of the pipelines. It was an enlarged shuriken, but Pein's Rinnegan noticed a powerful aura surrounding it.
"That shuriken is empowered with chaos energy." Pein thought. "Only someone exceptionally skilled could perform a technique that can cancel out nature manipulated techniques. Someone like Tomo."
Pein activated his Rinnegan eyes once more and searched the tower where the shuriken appeared. As his eyes focused, he didn't find the chameleon kunoichi, but discovered a hole in the ground large enough for her to fit through. By the time he had discovered where the tunnel led to, it was too late. Tomo suddenly burst from the ground, performing a series of hand signs.
"Water Style: Violent Water Wave!" Tomo called
Tomo's body expanded greatly before expelling the excess water through her mouth. Pein raised his arm in defense as a powerful jet of pressurized water ripped across his body. Once drained of her attack, Tomo flipped backwards to join her allies.
"That's it?" Xenot asked disappointed. "You just splashed him with water."
"Everything happens for a reason." Tomo smirked.
"And that reason would be?" Kai questioned monotone.
"Just wait for it." Tomo said proudly.
Back to Pein, the Akatsuki Leader lowered his arms and revealed that damages caused by the chameleon kunoichi. Pein's body was entirely soaked and the upper right portion of his cloak had been ripped apart. While the four warriors prepared themselves for battle, Pein stared at his palms, watching feeble sparks flying die out from his fingers.
"You knew water was the only thing that could short out my electrical abilities." Pein stated.
"She did?" Nack asked, looking to his partner. "How'd ya know?"
"It made sense." Tomo explained. "Before we fought Naga, it was raining. But after we tried to escape from Pein, it suddenly stopped. My guess is that he can control the rain and forced it to stop so that it wouldn't interact with his abilities."
"You're a smart little girl." A familiar voice hissed.
Suddenly, a pair of venomous green hands smashed through the walls of a nearby shop and clutched Pein by his shoulders. A moment later, Naga jumped into the open before coiling his arms to constrict Pein from Head-to-toe. As the Akatsuki Leader struggled to break free, Nyrox suddenly appeared in front of the man with a grim look on his expression. Pein returned the look with an empty expression.
"Do you show pity towards me?" Pein questioned.
"I am going to give you a choice." Nyrox said depressingly. "You can surrender this dark ambition of creating worldly pain and return to life before this."
"My ambition shall never die." Pein stated. "This world will mature only through the excessive pain given by its denizens. You may kill me, but the world shall continue in my stead. This world shall mature whether by my hands or by yours."
"Then you leave me with no choice." Nyrox sighed.
Nyrox bowed his head and held out his hand as a collective mass of light particles began to gather. The aged master clutched his hand and summoned a yellow staff with a white spear head. Nyrox closed his eyes, not wanting to see the unholy crime he was about to commit. In one swift movement, Nyrox thrusted the spear towards Pein's head. But just as he was a few inches away, a column of stone suddenly jutted from the ground and snapped the spear in half. Naga gazed in interest before noticing a tornado of flames dropping from the sky over Pein. The Heartless snake recalled his arms moments before the flames engulfed the Akatsuki Leader.
"What's that?" Naga hissed; Nyrox and the others joined at his side.
"Unfortunately, I have a feeling we're going to find out." Tomo said seriously.
As the tornado of flames cleared away, Pein was found to be safe from harm. Apparently, the flames not only set him free, but also dried his fur to return his electrical powers. Things were only getting worse when he was joined by two other creatures at his side. To his right was a large brown bear with a white claw mark going down his face. He had three studs around each eye and four studs going down each side of his face. To Pein's left was black coyote with purple striped markings across his face. He had a bar going through each ear, two studs between his eyes, and six large studs around his neck. Both intruders wore the Akatsuki cloak and, amazingly, both possessed the Rinnegan.
"What?!" Nack screamed. "They all have those freaky eyes?! I thought only the middle guy had it!"
"This can't be right." Xenot said. "It impossible for more than one person to have the Rinnegan."
"We live in a world of impossibility." Kai said. "Anything can happen."
"I applaud that you were able to defeat the Raiton Path." The Coyote said.
"But now you shall understand what pain I have suffered through." The Bear said.
"You shall feel the power of the Katon and Doton Path." Pein, now known as the Raiton Path, proclaimed. "You shall learn the wrath of a God."
The scattered skies rumbled as the tension between rivaled forces began to clash. The battle had moved to a new level.
A storm is coming for our unlikely heroes. Can this band of six warriors defeat Pein's newest abilties? What secrets lie within these new creatures that have appeared? And what other mysteries lurk between both forces? Find out on the next Sonic Heroes!
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