Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or gain or will gain any profit from using the franchise's chars, they belong to Kishimoto
A/N:
1) Yo, I'm very sorry for the long delay, test season was horrible, and then work and early semester work. Couple that with writer's block and some illness and you'll understand why it took me two months to update.
2) Updates will be slow, but the story is nearing its end. Once I'm done with this story I will be spending some weeks fixing the older chapters and updating the story to be more in key with current canon before I continue writing onwards.
3) I hope you enjoy the installment; my invasion I hope is entertaining and unique enough. I worked hard to deviate from canon in both the battles; the plan in general and there's more in store for the epilogue…so feedback will be more appreciated than usual since this chapter has been especially hard.
4) I understand if some people are disappointed with Sakura still sticking in the leaf and not trying to escape or kill herself. But I ask you all to think about it this way: (a) She knows Danzou is watching her so she can't escape with her life (b) she's too much of a coward to commit suicide and she's obsessed with revenge [it may seem easy but taking one's life is obviously not something easy to do on an emotional and mental level] (c) She's insane, but she's concentrated her madness and has a pattern to it - revenge
So yeah, Danzou might've killed her mom, but he has other goals which require lying low on the radar until she can get a break and escape (which Kabuto has said he'll supply…).
5) Thank you all for your reviews so far and for sticking with me for this long (time wise and lengthwise =P). Read, enjoy and review please.
6) Special thanks to LD1449 and rasengan86 for helping me with plotting and devising the story so far and manipulating the plot in general!
Japanese translation vocabulary
Youki – Evil energy
Bijuu – Tailed beast/s
Iwa – Rock
Ningen – Human
Jinchuuriki – Tailed beast container, aka 'Power of Human Sacrifice'
Konohagakure – Hidden Leaf
Sunagakure – Hidden Sand
Fuuton – Wind Release
Raiton – Lightning Release
Tenshin no Hangan - The Judge of Heaven's Will
Kiiroi Senko – The Yellow Flash
Doton – Earth Release
Sennin – Hermit
Godaime – The Fifth
Yondaime – The Fourth
Densetsu no Sannin – The Legendary Three Ninja
Ne - Root/s
(Konoha mercantile district, Several miles away from the Arena)
Naruto charged through the suspiciously empty streets. He had been followed the faint tingling 'feel' of his enemies for the several minutes; the arena a long way behind him. His surroundings were slightly blurry due to the thin of miasma-like youki that filtered his vision. He kept his usage of the fox's power to a level where he got the beneficial boost but didn't sustain too much damage; luckily enough the bijuu was uncommonly docile and cooperative; something that would most likely not last for long.
If Naruto was honest with himself he wasn't very sure if this was a good idea, charging off after a Jounin; an Iwa Jounin no-less! He frowned as the deep rumble of the Kyuubi's voice echoed in his mind. "Will you stop fretting, you pathetic ningen? As long as I am by your side no power on this plane of existence can stop you. So stay focused on the target, we're getting closer!"
Naruto scoffed at that, knowing well that the bijuu's statement on their apparent 'invincibility' was questionable at best. He didn't get to ponder over the notion long: "Duck!"The Jinchuuriki obeyed his tenant's command on instinct, dodging a kunai that almost gouged out his right eye.
He didn't have time for this! He leaped sideways, gluing his feet to the wall and avoiding another hail of various lethal, metal projectiles. A profanity escaped his lips as he sniffed the air, capitalizing the heightened senses the youki running through his system granted him temporarily.
He was about to summon shadow clones to his aid when his eyes widened when he caught the blurry shape of kunai slip accurately into the window of a nearby house. He didn't quite understand what was happening but in a manner of seconds the nearby building exploded violently.
Naruto cursed and climbed up the wall, barely avoiding the debris and shrapnel. As he regained his footing he felt a presence behind him and whirled around. He caught sight of an ANBU wearing a cape with an owl mask. "What are you doing here, genin? This is the center of t he battlefield. We can't afford to watch your back."
The Jinchuuriki didn't have time to answer because the ANBU suddenly knocked him to the ground with a strong shove whereas the black ops leaped upwards; avoiding a gust of razor sharp wind chakra that would've sliced him apart.
Naruto grunted as he hit the wooden roof, he felt the elite ninja's chakra spike and decided to lend a hand, so he cupped his left hand as he rose to a kneeling position and fired off a strong gust of raw wind chakra in the general direction the his savior was facing.
The ANBU's 'Gokakyo no jutsu' brightened and grew fiercer when his wing chakra fanned it; the flame expanding before it engulfed the nearby area. Naruto rose to his feet, hearing a nearby tortured scream and gulped faintly at the unsettling sound.
Naruto sighed softly before he caught a blurry shape in his peripheral vision. However his body was too slow to react as a sword swipe came dangerously close to decapitating him. He was saved in the nick of time by the ANBU from before that knocked him to the ground again and parried the enemy's blade.
As he hit the wood once more, he heard metal clanging against metal several times before he was bathed by crimson. The scent filled his nostrils and he felt his stomach turn at the sight of enemy's now disemboweled body.
Naruto gulped down vomit at the gory sight accompanied by the repulsive sound of spilling fluid and flesh but slowly regained his footing. The ANBU kept on peering at their surroundings as he spoke. "Get out of here and head for the shelters, Uzumaki. Those are just the scouts. The main bulk of the enemy force has just now started spreading throughout the village. Stick to the alleys and watch your back, we may not be available to save you a second time."
"Stop dawdling! The enemy is getting away!"The demon roared in his mind, its rage bubbling in Naruto's chest. He bit down the slight burst of pain and bowed lightly to the ANBU before he took off through another route. "Why are you so eager for me to fight those two anyway? You saw what just happened. I thought you were all about stopping me from getting us killed!"
"My reasoning is my own, you pathetic whelp. But you're right, our survival is more important so feel free to forsake your village to the enemy…" The ancient bijuu retorted in a bemused manner, its foxy grin wider than ever as it flashed briefly before Naruto's eyes.
"Damn it, don't pretend like you care you bastard-fox! But…I can't keep on rushing around in plain sight…I'm a freaking sitting duck …" Naruto murmured before his eyes widened in realization. He knew the fox was manipulating him and playing on his dedication but unfortunately the bijuu was right. There was no telling what those two Iwa-ninja were really after and regardless to what their intent was – Naruto had to stop them.
He had made several hand seals and took advantage of the excess chakra his burden supplied him. The air around him became extremely heavy, the humidity in the air condensing as his massive 'Kirigakure no jutsu' expanded in all directions; covering the area in a blanket of fog.
His gut instinct told him, despite the odds pitted against him, that he had to stop the Iwa-nin; that the fate of his village depended on it so he pushed onward despite his fear and the knowledge that being manipulated by the Kyuubi was extremely dangerous.
(Meanwhile, Back in the Arena)
"Is that anyway to greet an old friend?" Orochimaru taunted his former teammate as he dodged her deadly right hook. His skin tingled lightly as he literally felt her chakra sizzling beneath the surface of her skin.
He spun around, avoiding the follow up punch narrowly before he leaped backwards, kicking off the ground immediately as her punch connected with the concrete they stood on. The impact sent a massive tremor through the solid concrete; deep cracks forming in the base of the wall. "If you stand still for just a moment I'll show you just how much I've missed you!"
The sannin chuckled faintly "You're still as hotheaded as I remember, Fufu. You know... I've just realized something. You and I have never fought for real before." The murderous gleam in her eyes was both unnerving as it was exciting as never had they shone so darkly especially for him.
She grinned at him and flashed her hands through a series of hand seals. He already recognized the sequence by the first two hand seals and immediately countered with the opposite element. Tsunade's hands exploded into bright blue light, the sounds of electrical currents filling the air.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed faintly as he finished his seal sequence with a rat seal before he expelled a wind bullet from his lips. The moment he unleashed his ninjutsu he somersaulted to his left, whereas Tsunade somersaulted to her right once she unleashed her own attack.
Wind bullet met lightning sphere in a violent discharge of raw chakra, but Tsunade was not done yet. Her left hand still pulsed with her chosen element and in mid-air; she thrust her hand forward. She unleashed a lightning bolt straight towards him via raw lightning chakra manipulation. Orochimaru was not impressed and he smirked and he pointed his face towards the ground, spewing his muscular tongue in order to push himself into the air. He pulled back his tongue as he folded his body in a right ball, narrowly avoiding the deadly attack.
The moment he landed on his feet his eyes flicked to his left and he flashed through rapid seals. "No you don't!" He heard Jiraiya call out. Orochimaru stopped his hand seal sequence against his will and thrust his chakra angrily through his limbs, pushing some of his true form through the skin of his shell.
White snakes wrapped around him protectively as a massive wave of mud smashed into him. He pulled the serpents back into his body just in time to see Tsunade's fist approach him. His body bent unnaturally backwards and his feet shot upwards, clocking the blonde sannin's chin while avoiding certain death.
His yellow eyes flicked to his left, catching sight of Jiraiya smashing his foot into the Kazekage's torso, the blow sending the younger man flying backwards. He knew what was coming next and ran through three hand seals which contended with Jiraiya's four.
Water bullet met fireball in mid air, the screen of vapor dispersing rapidly in time to reveal the charging toad sage. Orochimaru stepped backwards, shifting his body sideways to avoid Jiraiya's side kick right before he shoved the toad sannin sideways with a palm thrust to his side.
He extended his neck, his head moving and twirling around Tsunade's deadly punch. He grinned at her growling face tauntingly and retaliated immediately. His cheeks puffed, a snake head bursting from his mouth before it shot off a glob of violet liquid.
Tsunade rolled sideways, dodging the lethal substance, but she had apparently fulfilled her purpose of exposing his flank. In a battle of S-rank ninja, a single moment of weakness meant death; luckily death was something very flexible in Orochimaru's case; considering his trademark snake ninjutsu.
Jiraiya's rasengan smashed into his body, tearing a hole through him; or at least it would have had his body not sagged before it exploded. In blurry speed a goo-covered Orochimaru pulled himself out of his own mouth and grinned at Jiraiya as his Kusanagi blade burst from his lips.
His former teammate replicated with a nearby slab of concrete in the last possible moment. And as Orochimaru landed on his former skin his survival senses screamed at him. He used a mud clone to survive Tsunade's punch as it struck home; her arm driving through what used to be his body.
His body dissolved into a puddle at her feet. White snake heads materialized from within the brownish substance. Tsunade leaped backwards, her hand glowing with electricity as she spun around; slicing the serpents apart.
Orochimaru burst from the mud and prepared for battle but despite his flexibility and nimbleness, the snake sannin couldn't dodge Jiraiya's follow-up attack as spiky white hair wrapped around him. He could feel the steel like substance as it constricted around him and snarled softly. "This is the end for you, Orochimaru!"
It was then Sabaku no Nori that helped him out of his bind, the Yondaime Kazekage finally proved he was worth his mettle. He shot off a long, cutting blade of wind chakra; the attack slicing the hardened hair with ease; a definite sign of the man's talent and power.
The younger man looked haggard and winded; most likely still suffering the pain of one Jiraiya's powerful strikes. "It took you long enough, Kazekage." Orochimaru hissed out as the hair, detached from its chakra source shrunk and dispersed around him in a shower of silver.
The leader of Sunagakure didn't offer a verbal response at first but then Orochimaru's grin widened as Nori spoke his next words. "I will deal with the Hokage, snake, her Raiton jutsu are inferior to my Fuuton ninjutsu. You deal with Jiraiya."
Orochimaru then noticed Jiraiya's solemn expression and something within him shifted uneasily when his former brother in arms spoke fiercely. "Orochimaru…you killed the old man. You've come to destroy Konohagakure. In the past I felt something akin of pity mixed with guilt when I fought you – but no more."
The snake sannin chuckled faintly at the accusation, the feeling evaporating as quickly as it came. "Pathetic fools; I did not kill Sarutobi. I would've respected his last wish and given him his 'explosive' ending. And as for your statement, you two cannot fathom the full extent of my plans; but let us cut the chitchat, Nori-san is getting bored and it's almost time for the main show!"
(Meanwhile, Konoha Hospital, Administrative quarter, Central Konoha,)
Neji's eyes opened widely as the room he lay in shook angrily. He gasped as two hands pulled him violently to the floor. He was disoriented and vaguely heard his cousin's voice call his name. "H-Hinata-sama, w-what?"
"Nii-san, you have to get up," he heard her speak urgently as she dragged him to his feet. He leaned against her, the drugs and medicine in his system still clouding his senses.
"What's going on…?" he asked while standing up unsteadily.
She held popped something in his mouth and he grimaced when he barely swallowed a bitter tasting pill. He vaguely heard her talk softly. "Konoha's under attack. Kurenai-senseu told me to get you and the other patients, we have to get everyone to the shelters; it isn't safe here anymore."
His skin tingled and stomach lurched as the medicine spread through his blood stream. He nodded and felt the weariness and vertigo subside partially. He also felt a bit stronger and at the very least he no longer needed her to support him. "I understand… "
Neji didn't trust himself to use his byakugan yet so he was relieved that his cousin took the initiative. He smiled faintly as she led him across the corridors towards the main lobby. It was a bit surreal; to see his cousin assertive, stifling her crush with Naruto and having Hiashi change his heart seemed to have done wonders for the girl.
"Nii-san, the window!" Hinata cautioned sternly; prompting the prodigy to assume an awkward Jyuuken stance. His body was still partially numb and he could tell his chakra had yet to recover but battle seldom came when it was comfortable.
The sound of exploding glass prompted the Hyuuga duo to break apart as a blurry shape landed between them. Neji taunted fate and activated his bloodline limit before crouching low over a blade swipe, biting his lower lip as a light vertigo plagued him. He synchronized his motions with Hinata's to the best of his abilities, his fighting ability probably somewhere around sixty percent.
He let Hinata take point and loosen the ninja, whom he recognized as a Suna kunoichi's stance. The russet hair femme's chakra spiked as she sidestepped Hinata's palm thrust; Neji capitalized on the opportunity and leaped towards their assailant with a flying side-kick. His cousin caught the gist of his plan and crouched low; allowing him to fly over her.
His attack was blocked when the kunoichi crossed her arms, exposing her torso to Hinata's accurate finger thrust; his cousin surprisingly accurate as she imploded the woman's heart with a burst of chakra. "I know we've been training to fight together…but a killer blow from Hinata-sama? How unexpected, she truly has changed. She's far more serious and ruthless than I originally though t-good."
They left the enemy behind, the sound of her collapsing body forgotten as their Byakugan eyes respectively caught sight of more enemy ninja blocking their path. Neji lifted two fingers, then three and then shut his fist; signaling his younger cousin the tactic of choice. He knew he couldn't use his stronger techniques at the moment; his chakra was still recovering but he could at least use a low level technique to pull his weight.
His hands ran through five hand seals whereas Hinata's ran through three hand seals. He watched her hands claw through the air; the moisture around her condensing around her limbs; she then threw her hands forward; unleashing a small wave of water which spread across the floor several feet in front of them.
Neji's hands exploded into crackling electricity as he augmented his natural bio-energy. The lightning crackled through his fingertips. His enemies stepped into the corridor cautiously just as he intended; their feet stepping into the liquid they thought was genin's misfired ninjutsu.
Their mocking faces were erased as he knelt down to one his knee and unleashed his attack, sending lightning through the water. The current wasn't strong enough to kill, but it did shock them long enough for them to drop their guard and fall before Hinata's shuriken,
One of them fell immediately, a steel projectile piercing his lung; whereas the other dodged wildly and go nicked in his right arm before he sought cover and saved himself at the last possible moment.
Neji and Hinata's confidence started to vanish as the ninja knelt partially across the door. He seemed prepared to toss some sort of explosive at them, one they could hardly dodge in such closer quarters. Luckily for them; his intent never came to be as a swarm of Kikaichuu accosted him; his agonized screams depicting his sordid fate.
"It's fortunate I found you two, Shikamaru, Ino and Kiba are holding the lobby. Neji-san, you go help them while I take Hinata to safety and guide the wounded patients through the emergency tunnels." Shino ordered coolly.
"No," Neji declared in a matter of fact manner. "I will not abandon Hinata-sama, it is my sacred duty to protect her; as one of the branch family and as her cousin. Do not forget, Shino, Hyuuga is the strongest of the leaf; we will not hide while others protect us,"
Neji watched as Shino turned to Hinata, obviously hoping to influence her to his side. But his cousin wasn't the quiet mouse of a ninja she used to be. "I-I'll be ok, Shino-kun. I have Neji-nii to protect me and I'm a kunoichi of the leaf, I will fight like everyone else. And…It'll be alright as far as my clan is concerned; Hanabi-chan is safe and can take my place if something happens to me. Now go, the sick and wounded are depending on you."
Shino hesitated only for a moment, obviously worried about his teammate but recognizing that time was of the essence. Neji felt a sliver of respect towards the younger genin, he seemed to be professional enough to stifle his emotions and get the job done "Don't worry, Aburame-san; we'll cover you."
Neji watched the stoic ninja nod and leave before he turned to his cousin. "Hinata, do you have an explosive note?"
He relinquished the piece of paper and attached it to a Kunai. He tossed it to the ceiling of the corridor Shino went down through and blew up the ceiling behind him, effectively sealing him off from the enemy.
They made their way towards the lobby, they had wasted enough time already and their friends lives depended on them.
(Several minutes later, the old, poorer resident district, eastern Konoha)
"It must've sensed us…it's stopped over there, it is in the centre of that plaza…"The bijuu spoke in his mind; its voice was entirely too eager and amused and it kept referring to their enemy as 'it'; Naruto didn't like those two bits of information at all.
He was perched upon a roof, observing his 'target'. The massive Iwa ninja was standing with his back turned to him. Sumiko however was nowhere to be seen; that meant he was covering her escape. "Well, I guess one is better than none…"
"You leaf-nin aren't very wise, are you?" the man's strong baritone rang as Naruto stood up slowly. "I was actually counting on your 'bravado' to lead you here, young Uzumaki. By the way, for courtesy's sake, allow me to introduce myself. I am Han."
Naruto was cautious, he had little knowledge of his foe's abilities and this was a jounin. He spoke coolly, but with authority like he saw Kakashi and Jiraiya do when they were serious, hoping to dissuade the Iwa-ninja from fighting. "You should surrender. I may be the first ninja on the scene, but I won't be the last. You can't win!"
Han ignored his demand and chuckled faintly, "I should be the one warning you, kid. I'm known as the 'Tenshin no Hangan' and since Sumiko-hime has been forced to withdraw it will be an honor to smite you myself."
"Yeah, Yeah. 'I shall kill you, son of the Kiiroi Senko…blah blah blah. You Iwa-nin are like a broken record!" Naruto said and suppressed the youki in his system so he could fight with clarity; he needed to keep focused or he would die.
Han's body blurred and the illusion around him dispersed. His appearance revealed bronze red plate armor with a black travelling gi over it. A massive steel compartment protruded from his back with steam rising from it. His face was masked and he had a circular traveler's hat on his head, right above a gleaming Iwa forehead protector.
The man's eyes narrowed faintly and he spread his hands to his sides, before his body blurred and he rushed Naruto. "I have no grudge with Namikaze Minato; for he was just another ninja doing his job. I can respect that, he was a fearsome enemy."
His fist bore down at Naruto, whom wisely chose to dodge as upon impact it collapsed the entire building underneath them. He tried to dodge, but the larger man was surprisingly agile. His kick buried into Naruto's abdomen before it launched the genin back a considerable distance.
The Uzumaki landed awkwardly on his feet, winded as he watched his enemy point both of his palms at him. He didn't know what jutsu was coming but he wasn't taking any chances so he ran through three hands seals in quick succession.
Naruto watched his gust of wind was devoured by a searing rush of white steam. Naruto did the only thing he could in the situation; he replicated himself with a nearby chunk of stone. "What the hell is this guy? I've never heard of steam ninjutsu…"
He observed his enemy with newfound caution as the titan of a man chuckled once more, "Is that all you can do, Uzumaki? I had expected more from a Jinchuuriki."
Naruto frowned and wondered how the man knew about what he was; then the answer was presented to him by the most unlikely source: "Don't tell me you haven't figured it out yet, ningen. Didn't you feel the resonance? He is one of my weaker counterparts, the Gobi's Jinchuuriki to be precise…"
Naruto's eyes widened, the flashing memory of Gaara's power dousing him with a cold shower of reality. The situation was dire; no wonder the Kyuubi was so eager, in a situation like this Naruto would definitely be forced to use its power.
Naruto only had one factor playing his favor; Han didn't know the extent of his power, nor did he seem overly concerned by him – perhaps he could use that to his advantage."Do not kid yourself, You cannot defeat him without me! You are weak and fragile but if you call upon my power...I can show you REAL power…"
Naruto screened out the fox, he knew it was right but was still recovering from using its youki to track Han down. He needed to stall until his body recovered, he didn't want to drown in its intoxicating power – he needed to retain control; so stalling would have to do for now.
He reached back with his right hand into his weapon pouch and grasped the surface of several shuriken. He tightened his other hand into a claw and commanded the air around him. He threw the projectiles at his enemy before thrusting his other hand forward; speeding them up with a gust of wind chakra. "Tch, shows how much you know! I'm not defined by my burden; I'm a ninja before I am a container!"
Naruto didn't wait to see if his attack connected and started running through hand seals. As he reached the final hand seal a large hand grabbed his fingers. Naruto screamed as pressure was applied and he felt his digits break; bone biting into cartilage and flesh.
Han spoke coolly as he smashed his open palm into Naruto's upper chest. The blow rattled his entire body, but Han didn't let go and thus his body wasn't propelled back. "You are blinded by idealism and lies, Uzumaki. Using the bijuu is not a 'burden'; it is a gift! Denying that truth means denying yourself"
Naruto coughed and sagged against the blow, before he screamed loudly as Han's grip tightened even more around his fingers. Han's eyes locked with his own; the deep brown shifting into a glowing azure, "You embody all the weakness and hypocrisy that has become synonymous with your pathetic village. You wield the power of darkness, yet paint it in rainbow colors to hide your own shame."
Naruto hissed through pursed lips, biting down the pain as he tapped into the air in his lungs, supercharging it with chakra. As Han's fist came swinging down he looked up and unleashed a raw wind projectile straight into his face. His enemy let go, giving him the time to retort angrily. "Fuck you! I'm nobody's slave and nobody's weapon! I'm more than just a shell. I'm not a weapon to be wielded. I'm a human being! And I don't give up!"
"Have it your way, I'll just kill you and get this over with." The promised retaliation was swift as the massive man blurred forth and smashed his palms into Naruto's body with crippling force while hissing: 'Kiton: futtou no kanketsusen.' Naruto shut his eyes, preparing for a world of agony as he flew backward through the air.
Surprisingly enough he felt absolutely nothing. The jinchuuriki opened his eyes just barely, the molten agony of his broken fingers making it difficult and when he did he saw golden brown all around him. As he was dropped to the ground he looked up and caught sight of the last person he had ever thought would save his life, his eyes widening and mouth gaping slightly. "Uzumaki Naruto is not yours to kill, Iwa-nin; he is my proof of existence!"
As he reeled at the revelation of his savior, the heat within his body grew exponentially as the fox let him feel its frustration and distaste. "Enough of these stupid games and power plays, ningen! You're going to get us killed! Let me out…I'll show them all what true power is all about. I refuse to die at the hands of a whale horse and rely on the power of some overgrown tanuki!"
(Meanwhile, The top of the Hokage Tower, administrative district, Central Konoha)
Kimimaro waited patiently on concrete surface he stood on, his eyes surveying the battleground around him. He had already killed several ninja that were unfortunate to cross his path. Though he and Juugo avoided direct intervention – they had a much more pressing manner to attend to.
Juugo was undergoing withdrawal syndrome; the usage of his 'killer mode' having left him in deep paranoia and depression. The berserker was dangerously unstable and unfortunately for them; Kimimaro could not apply his killer intent upon the younger man and risk exposing him to the higher echelon of Konona ninja. The last thing he needed was someone like Hatake Kakashi on his tail so he would have to suffer through Juugo's rants and sobs.
The last of the Kaguya looked at the position of the sun and reached back into his robe. He procured scroll before biting his thumb. He swabbed the now bleeding digit over the parchment and in a cloud of smoke summoned a massive horn.
He brought it to his lips and inhaled deeply before blowing hard. The audible sound echoed into the distance. He blew in a single, continuous manner and turned around as he did; spreading the signal all around the hidden village.
It was time for phase two to begin; soon the conflict would change drastically. Now, all he had to do was pave a bleeding path out of there as their role, as well as the sound four who had most likely already escaped, in this invasion was now official over.
(Meanwhile, somewhere in the south western streets of Konoha)
Hatake Kakashi paused briefly, the dead ninja he held against him gurgling in his arms. What the hell was that audible horn all about? He shoved the dying Suna ninja aside. The jounin had yet to unleash his sharingan so he shifted his natural born eye towards the enemy and then saw something that shocked him completely.
An enemy ninja with the sound headband suddenly paused before turning to his left backstabbed his fellow sand ninja in the ribcage. He felt the air shift beside him and nodded at Gai. The old comrades looked at the spectacle critically and grimly before they charged into the fray; a ninja never lets a golden opportunity slip by them after all.
However, they, like many other Konoha ninja couldn't help but remain cautious and fearful of the unexpected turn of events. For it was clear Orochimaru was no ally of Konohagaure, so why in the name of Yomi was he turning on his allies in the midst of combat?
(Meanwhile, One of the larger Ne underground complex, Southern Konohagakure)
Sakura was apprehensive as she led Kabuto through the underground complex. The resistance to their arrival was surprisingly weak. They had only stumbled upon two or three Ne ANBU and those seemed utterly distracted right before Kabuto murdered them with bone chilling efficiency and brutality – the medic-nin was definitely far more deadly than he let on.
The silver-haired spymaster spoke softly as she led him ever deeper into the womb of the earth. "It seems you are of little use to me after all, Sakura-chan. I could've infiltrated this area on my own."
The crimson haired kunoichi gulped, inwardly shaking as she feared yet another betrayal was looming on the horizon. Her inner persona murmured soft reassurances in her mind; reminding her that she had little choice but to pray and hope fate would smile on her at least once in her life.
"It-it's over here. This is where number thirty three trained me in medical ninjutsu. She always made sure to steer me away from that doorway and it was always sealed off and protected by at least one hidden agent."
She watched in trepidation as her 'savior' examined the door before kicking it open. She gasped and covered her face, certain the traps and seals would brutalize Kabuto. But she was surprised to see him rush into the room with his hand covering his face.
"Follow him!" her violent persona commanded her, breaking her out of her stupor. She didn't understand what Kabuto was doing at first before she took a whiff of the nauseating scent of burning wood and flesh caked with ash. She covered her face and squinted against both an intense heat and acrid black smoke.
The room was burning, scarlet raging all around them. In the center of the room stood some bizarre looking machine which seemed to have been literally ripped apart by something. Broken glass, flickering wires and scraps of steel were scattered in disarray. "Don't just stand there! Grab whatever documents you can before they all burn!"
She obeyed his command promptly, both she and the medic nin scrambling to salvage whatever documents they could from the burning room. Sakura paused abruptly as a distinctively uncommon sound filled her ears "Bells?"
It might've been a figment of her imagination but she could've sworn she saw a silhouette shift at the entrance of the room. But she had little time to think it over before both she and her 'employer' were forced to leave the room or risk asphyxiation.
Kabuto seemed contemplative as he cursed softly. He had glanced over the information, skimming over it and finding that nothing there pertained to where Danzou kept the sharingan or revolved around Orochimaru's activities. Consequently the information was useless and his mission was a failure. The info would only get Kabuto into trouble, it would be best to not return with any information at all and claim Danzou covered his tracks than risk incurring the snake sannin's wrath; he had become increasingly unpredictable as of late.
Then an idea came to him, his lips twisting into a wide grin as he dropped the papers he held nonchalantly and shook his head in 'disappointment'. He could kill his 'charge' but he was quite certain she would have her uses in the near future and he would capitalize on her debt to him in due time. "Sakura, I'm afraid you didn't come through on your side of the bargain."
Sakura's heart thudded violently against her ribcage, her blood pounding in her ears. She shook and took several steps back before Kabuto's hand reached her and slid around her neck, pinning her to the wall. She choked and looked up at him fearfully. "Hell no! I did everything you asked of me!"
"Danzou's covered his tracks, there's nothing here I can use to my advantage. Whatever might've been useful is nothing but ashes. Originally I was going to bring you back with me to Otogakure as my apprentice, but I don't think I will…you're too unhinged, brash and bloodthirsty. I think you'll serve me better as an agent rather than a subordinate."
Sakura felt her vision blur and head spin as her brain was starved from oxygen before Kabuto suddenly dropped her to the ground. He spoke to her over his left shoulder. "So our business relationship is going to be different. But…I warn you, you still owe me your life because these documents can buy you asylum outside Kononagakure."
He then winked at her and turned his back on her. "By the way I suggest you hurry because the clock is ticking before your 'home' retaliates and traitors hang first, no? I shall keep tabs on you and I will contact you sometime in the future; in the meantime: Don't die."
He vanished into the shadows, leaving her alone. She clamored quickly to gather the various documents and realized that now her fate was truly in her hands alone. She had no protection, no allies and no village to back her up – she was in fact a full fledge nuke-nin.
Sakura's eyes were moist, but beneath the tears a burning flame came to life. The hatred and bloodlust in those jade eyes gleamed violently as she pocketed the documents into a storage seal and took off in the opposite direction.
She paved her path towards the surface, knowing she needed to reach the underground nexus that lead to the shelters within the Hokage Mountain and from there escape tunnels outside of the village.
"Forget it, we don't need them! We don't need anyone! We will become strong on our own path, our own way! Fuck Kabuto, Danzou and 'crimson eyes'! We don't need them, we'll find our own path and one day, we'll watch them all squirm beneath the heels of our boots!"
(Meanwhile, Emergency Ne control center, underground complex somewhere in Northern Konohagakure)
Shimura Danzou observed the battle through a series of security cameras he had installed throughout key locations in Konoha. His visible eye was narrowed and cold as he watched the ninja of Konoha fought ferociously to push back the invaders.
The snake sannin's treachery was baffling to the secret sharingan wielder. He had worked quite closely with the mercurial madman in the past but even he didn't think he would kill his own allies in the middle of an invasion. That was too maverick and insane even for Orochimaru.
It mattered not; whatever that accursed serpent had in mind, Danzou would stop him. He refused to give the yellow eyed bastard the satisfaction of success. He represented the old breed of ninja, those who fell in battle and worked in the shadows and as the 'Roots of the Tree' he would keep his village strong, stable and firm.
He clicked on a button on the console in front of him and spoke into a microphone, broadcasting his commands. "All agents are to join the battle, kill the enemy with extreme prejudice." As soon as he finished and stopped talking into the microphone he sensed another presence in the room.
He spoke coolly as he glanced over his shoulder, catching the sight of one of his youngest and most promising ninja, the ink manipulating teen he code-named 'Sai'. "What is it? I thought I told you to monitor Haruno Sakura and dispose of her."
"Danzou-sama, unknown intruders have infiltrated the southern base. There were no survivors and the sharingan has been stolen. I was forced to disengage my target after she and Yakushi Kabuto snuck into the same base and once I saw the damage I felt it prudent to report to you immediately."
The shadow sentinel of the leaf's hand clasped hard around his cane, the skin around his eye tightening. He felt his blood pound in his ears as his teeth grit slightly before he glared at the ground. "This is Impossible; Orochimaru is fighting Tsunade and Jiraiya and none save S-class ninja have either the knowledge or the power to break into that room…unless…"
Danzou turned fully towards Sai and spoke sharply as realization struck him. "Leave Haruno Sakura alone, she is of little consequence at the moment. Go and rally the junior members. Lead them to the underground complex and hide there until I summon you all."
He didn't allow his subordinate to speak and stormed out of the room and headed deeper into the protected confines of his control center. If he wanted to live he had to hide before he found him and took his revenge for the things Danzou had done. "Damn it, I can't believe he's actually come all the way here…"
(Back in the Konohagakure Hospital)
Shikamaru panted hard, wincing as lethal steel missed him narrowly. The air escaped his lungs harshly as he hit the ground. Something was seriously off with the camouflaged ninja they fought and it was more then the fact they turned on their 'allies' from Suna.
Luckily for them, only several ninja had stormed the hospital so far. But strategically this was a prime target and therefore they all grimly acknowledged their mission to hold the building was most likely a suicidal one unless backup arrived soon.
He watched Kiba and Akamaru attack the ninja with the Inuzuka's signature 'Gatsuuga' attack. The Oto-ninja dodged narrowly, leaving himself exposed to Ino's accurate shuriken. Unfortunately, the ninja seemed a bit more skilled than his peers and deflected the projectiles with his forearm; metallic clanging signaling some form of protective alloy was hidden beneath his long sleeve.
The ninja spoke gruffly as he pulled his sleeves back, revealing his arms. They were obviously mechanical, their surface a mixture of metal and wood and chakra. "Look, I'm only going to warn you kids once: back down. Orochimaru isn't paying me enough to sully my hands with your blood."
The Nara's eyes narrowed and the many questions marks that had plagued his mind began getting clearer. "Orochimaru was paying these ninja? No fully trained ninja with a village affiliation would let that 'remark' slip. That's also why they must be so disorganized and awkward when they fight in a group…they're mercenaries!"
Kiba pushed onwards despite the older man's warning, "Fuck you! I won't let you bastards get away with attacking us! Akamaru…lets go!"
Shikamaru shifted his eyes between Kiba and Ino whom also seemed eager to attack and his stomach dropped. His mind raced with the calculations, he was too far away to stop them both with his 'Kage Mane no jutsu', at the very least he might be able to stop one of them. "Damn it! I won't make it in time…how the hell can I make such a decision?"
His eyes watered as he ran through the hand seals and cursed under his breath, the words his father spoke to him on the even of the final exams haunting his mind. 'Son, war is coming and sometimes in the midst of battle, you have to make hard decisions. Sometimes you have to choose which one of your comrades you forsake and which one you save. If you are in such an impossible situation then remember one thing: saving one ninja is better than losing two.'
He shut his eyes and prayed as his shadow rushed forward, cursing his own weakness as he heard the older man sigh. He heard a thud and feminine gasp of pain and surprise before then the sound of tearing flesh and spilling blood fill the air.
"KIBA!" Ino called out and watched as one Kiba stood in front of the other one, blocking him from certain death. The shadow user's eyes widened in realization and relief as Kiba's body exploded into smoke. Akamaru's beast replication was dispelled, the canine now lying on the ground. His small body was crimson but this time because of profuse bleeding from many puncture wounds where projectiles shred him apart like Swiss cheese.
Shikamaru nearly cried in relief, it was only Akamaru, a cute puppy but a puppy no less. He heard running footsteps and glanced over his shoulder, watching Hinata and Neji approaching from the other end of the hall. He didn't have much time to contemplate their arrival as he controlled Ino's body and sent them both rolling to their left, saving Ino from a similar fate.
There were four long barrels protruding from each of his arms; smoke rising from within them. The contraption was some form of fire arm, just perfect. But his thought process was broken when Kiba screamed in horror and fury, literally frothing as he cried Akamaru's name.
Hinata thankfully rushed towards her teammate whereas Neji stance shifted strangely. The Nara didn't quite understand what the Hyuuga was doing but he did understand that when Neji pointed his open palm at the enemy an invisible forth smashed him into the wall violently; raging forth even through the multiple projectiles the enemy shot off. The chakra wave slowed down the enemy's bullets enough for Neji to dodge them and the collision knocked him back into the wall, leaving their foe disoriented.
That's when Shikamaru watched the elder Hyuuga charge with lethal speed and grace and knew if he wasn't quick a golden opportunity would be lost. "Neji, he's got information!" He heard himself cry out as Ino rushed towards him to help him up.
The Hyuuga did not reply verbally but Shikamaru knew he wouldn't fail – he was too talented and logical to dismiss Shikamaru's warning. He dared look at Hinata that was talking to Kiba in soft, yet firm whispers, blocking his path and waving her arms.
Neji was distracted by the sound of a resonating blow and Hinata's cry of pain and shock, though his Jyuuken charged blows still hit home with crippling efficiency. The disturbance was the fact that Kiba's fist smashed into Hinata's face and knocked her aside, clearing the Inuzuka's path. "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY, HINATA!" He screamed nearly hysterically and charged at their foe.
Shikamaru watched the older Hyuuga's eyes narrow dangerously but luckily Neji had more restraint than Kiba and simply smashed his palm into the Inuzuka's gut, stopping his charge. The Hyuuga's silver eyes bore into Kiba's before he backhanded him for good measure, murmuring something vile before approaching Hinata to see if she was alright considering her nose was bleeding at the moment.
Shikamaru was low on chakra, they had fought several ninja before the Hyuugas had arrived and he was beginning to get winded. But he needed to calm the distraught Inuzuka now before he got them all killed. "Ino, can you use your father's mind reading technique?"
Y-yeah…I think so." His blonde teammate nodded, her face was caked with dried blood and sweat, she too was growing weary but she seemed to have enough vigor and determination to pull through.
He grinned faintly, "That's good, scratch his surface memory and try to find out their plan…"
He then turned his back on her as he walked over Kiba, watching him struggle to stand while cursing, crying and coughing all at once. "Kiba, knock it off! I know you're upset right now, but we're at war and that guy has crucial information about the enemy! Pull yourself together; don't let Akamaru's sacrifice be in vain…"
Kiba stiffened at his words and Shikamaru sighed in relief. "Finally…he's calmed down…ugh!" Shikamaru thought to himself before Kiba growled and lunged at him; tackling him to the ground hard. "He's MINE! I don't give a shit about anything! I won't let him get away with killing AKAMARU!"
Damn those Inuzuka and their pack mentality, Ino was still inside that guy's mind! If Kiba killed him now there was no telling what'd happen to her. She was kneeling beside him with her hand on his face, concentrating hard – if the link was forcefully broken…he couldn't take that chance. "Ino! Pull out!"
He pulled a kunai from his pouch and tossed it at Ino, cutting the upper part of her arm lightly. She was startled by the pain, pulling herself out of the man's mind and glaring at Shikamaru. Alas, her awakening was just in time for her to receive a bone crunching backhand from Kiba "HE'S MINE, get off him!"
Kiba's Kunai drove into the man's neck, spraying him in a shower of crimson. But his revenge was short and hollow as his body stiffened. The ninja had instinctively moved upon being disturbed by Kiba's weight and drove and discharged his weapons right into the Inuzuka from point blank range.
"KIBA-KUN!" he heard Hinata cry and though he didn't see it, he knew Neji must've been holding her back and trying to console her. The door smashed open behind them and four Suna ninja were standing there, seemingly bemused at the 'easy pickings'.
But before they could move and fulfill their murderous intentions they were encased in limbs of wood and promptly crushed in a gory, yet surprisingly relieving display. A single jounin, the proctor of the examination stood in the doorway and nonchalantly ignored the broken remains splattering around him.
He surveyed the surroundings, his emotionless face calm as he spoke, "Our forces have taken back the plaza, so it's safe for you all to move now. Maito Gai is on the way, he will be here shortly to escort you to safety. More importantly, is Naruto with you?"
Shikamaru shook his head and the jounin, Yamato if he wasn't mistaken, shut his eyes. He made two hand seals and wooden limbs grew from his body and shape-shifted into clones of the jounin. "I'm sorry for your loss, kids. But unfortunately there will be more before this day is over. Try to keep it together and protect one another. I'm leaving these clones to protect you until Gai arrives. I'm sorry but I have to hurry."
(Back in the Arena)
Tsunade gazed at her fellow kage coolly. Her molten brown eyes were narrowed and her lips were pursed as she spoke. "You can still stand down, Nori. If you help us stop Orochimaru now, I'll pardon this offense and only demand fiscal compensation. But if you insist on fighting me I will show you no mercy."
The younger man had the audacity to smirk at her. "It's about time somebody put you leaves in place. For nearly a decade and a half you've looked down on Suna, stealing our jobs, manipulating our daimyo into hiring you instead of us. No hard feelings though old lady, it's strictly business."
She slapped her hands together before she sprinted towards the Kazekage at break neck speed. Her target reacted by running through a series of hand seals. But he was so transparent it was laughable. "Have it your way. But don't think I'll go easy on you because you're wet behind the ears!"
The air around the Kazekage shrieked angrily as he threw both of his hands forward. He unleashed a massive cone of slicing winds, also known as the 'Totsunyuu no Kagesatsugai'.
The violent ninjutsu tore a path towards Tsunade who reacted by driving her hands into the stone. She literally lifted the concrete in front of he r protectively. She glued her feet to the ground with chakra as she used the makeshift shield to block the raging wind.
She gritted her teeth and as soon as the main brunt of the jutsu expired she spun around while tearing a long slab of her makeshift shield before she tossed at her enemy. The moment the 'projectile' left her grip she immediately ran through several hands seals that ended with the dragon seal.
Her palms burst bright white electricity, crackling currents dancing between her fingertips before she swung her arm at Nori. A massive lightning construct extended from her right hand and reared down at the Kazekage via the 'Raiton: Raijin no Ittou'
She watched Nori retaliate with the 'Kaze no Yaiba' an equally long wind blade blocking and defeating the lightning blade. But Tsunade had gotten what she wanted; she was only ten steps away from her enemy. She clasped her hands together and swung both hands behind her and then bought them crashing down.
She grinned in a feral manner as Nori was overcome by the massive tremor that shook the wall they stood on. The earlier fissures deepened more as the younger man growled and unleashed wild wind chakra around him to repel and destroy the debris that threatened to bury him alive.
Victory was hers however as her fist reared back and she slipped by his blind spot. She watched his eyes widen in shock but before her fist could connect something wet and slippery smashed into her upper body and knocked her backwards. She grunted and glared at Jiraiya and hissed in frustration. "Damn it! Can't you keep your battles to yourself, you damned pervert!"
She caught sight of Orochimaru swallowing his tongue, his eerie yellow eyes flicking between them. She then gazed at Jiraiya; his Hari Jizou retracting from where it saved him from several snake summons.
"Hey, you're the one entertaining the baby while I'm busy fighting with freaking Orochimaru! Maybe if you weren't such a lazy old hag you'd have killed him by now and come help me double team snake face!"
Orochimaru laughed in his bone chilling manner and opened his mouth wide, a violet snake slithering out of his throat. He surmised he was about to spew out the Kusanagi blade no doubt when his concentration was broken, along with the others'.
She looked to her left when she felt a massive chakra signature make its presence known. The only thing she could say to describe what she felt and thought was a single angry exclamation: "What the fuck?"
(Battleground in the Streets of Western Konoha)
Kurenai panted softly as her sweaty back hit Asuma's lightly. They were surrounded by the bodies of their various foes, some dead by their hands, and some dead by mutual treachery. The genjutsu mistress looked around them, catching sight of her fellow jounin and chuunin as they picked their opposition apart with meticulous and lethal teamwork.
She spoke softly as they broke apart and surveyed the battle ground. "This is too easy, Asuma, the Suna-ninja are really dangerous, every one of them is a challenge. But the sound ninja are disorganized and their skill curve is all over the place. It seems all too 'perfect' for us to be able to push them back this easily; where's the catch?"
"Tch, only a rookie jounin like you would jinx this, Kurenai." She heard a slightly joking tone behind her and caught sight of Gemna land on the ground beside them. He was covered in crimson, and his trademark senbon needle was gone. By his rapidly rising and descending chest he had fought hard for a while now – just like the rest of them.
Soon enough Aoba joined them, though he remained on the balcony of run down shop, using the higher ground to scout for more enemies. They were all startled when Aoba shouted at them urgently: "G-guys! Get up here now!"
Kurenai followed the others and they joined Aoba, looking into the distance. She gasped and felt the blood drain from her body. There in the distance was a massive wolverine, only one village held that particular contract – Iwa.
Gemna cursed and they spread out, watching other Konoha ninja around the village also head for the roofs to observe the spectacle. The ground started rumbling violently as the earth split open in various places and the telltale signs of Doton jutsu being unleashed told all ninja in Konoha one thing – 'the shit had just hit the fan'
Kurenai and the others all shared a meaningful look. "Shit! It looks like there's no rest for the wicked!" Gemna crowed and tried to lighten the mood: "The guy who has the least enemies kills buys everyone the first round of sake once this is over…"
Her eyes watered faintly and she gulped as Gemna took off, Aoba flanking him. She wondered if she'd ever see them again or if she'd die now under the setting sun. She was startled when Asuma put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it lightly, "Don't worry, Nai-chan. We'll pull through this…"
She was about to answer when a massive cloud of smoke rose in the distance. She gaped in shock as a massive black serpent burst from the white vapor, a single woman standing on its head. It was the first time any Konoha ninja felt relieved to see a snake summon in over a decade.
The ground trembled as the snake lunged at the other summoned creature, avoiding its sharp teeth and talons and wrapping around it. The summons tumbled around and struggled but it didn't matter any more, win or lose Anko had accomplished one significant thing – she gave the other jounin and chuunin hope.
Above them, the skies started darkening as moisture converged into dark clouds. Kurenai frowned as a thick mist started rising around her. The air grew cold and her skin crawled as it started raining violently – only one man alive was known to be strong enough to summon storms so abruptly. "No…it can't be…there's no way we're that unlucky!"
(Back in the Arena)
Jiraiya and Orochimaru both observed Anko and an Iwa summoner clashing violently with their summons and ninjutsu alike. The snake-sannin seemed delightfully surprised by the whole ordeal, a small smirk on his lips. What the hell was going on? Did he really plan so far ahead?
The toad sennin glared daggers at his former brother in arms. He charged at him while making hand seals, his chakra roaring within his lungs as he prepared a high level ninjutsu. "What have you done you son of a bitch?"
Orochimaru didn't answer but he did cancel Jiraiya's wave of mud by erecting a wall of stone. Damn that slippery snake's keen eyes, there were only few ninja without the sharingan who could predict their enemy's attacks quite as well as Orochimaru. Regrettably he wasn't considered a ninjutsu specialist for nothing; otherwise this would've been much easier.
The former comrades shared a heated look but both of them remain stationary, suspiciously trying to figure out what was going on it would seem. "This…you didn't do this…did you? If you didn't plan this and we didn't plan this…then…"
It was the young Kazekage that broke the silence, surprising the more seasoned fighters with his laughter. "Orochimaru, I must thank you for supplying me with this perfect opportunity. Thanks to your ingenious tactical prowess, I've been able to bastardize your plan and ensure Konoha's destruction and Suna' survival. Alas, it will be I that is immortalized throughout the ages as the engineer behind the death of the Densetsu no Sannin and destruction of Konohagakure no Sato!"
Jiraiya was surprised the snake sannin didn't seem fazed by the turn of events one bit. Instead, his yellow eyes narrowed a fraction but his lips split into a wide grin."Is this where I'm supposed to acknowledge your superiority, boy? Do you truly fashion yourself MY equal? Don't make me laugh."
"Snake-face's arrogance aside, you've got a lot of nerve, kid. You shouldn't underestimate our village. We're the first amongst the five for a reason and it ain't our pretty village symbol! You bastards are about to find out that even the 'laziest' sloth can become a tiger when its back is against the wall."
Nori smirked as the sounds of ninjutsu clashing though he cautiously edged backwards; away from Tsunade who seemed simply murderous. "I may not be equal to any one of you three in sheer power or skill. But nobody will remember that in the future. Right about now my allies should be wiping the ground with your forces so even if you somehow survive, your villages will never recover from this!"
Orochimaru laughed and made a single ram hand seal. His body blurred and dispersed; shocking the toad sannin." Genjutsu…when did he…? It must've have been while Nori was ranting and distracting us." He looked around him and caught sight of Tsunade glaring behind Nori, she had obviously not been duped – she always did have a knack for detecting and dispelling illusions.
He dispelled the illusion and glanced at the formally smug Kazekage dangling above the ground, wrapped by white snakes that were protruding from the arms and shoulders of the snake sannin that stood behind him. "You miserable child, I had you wrapped around my finger from the very beginning. Right now, it is not my forces being butchered...do you remember the horn?"
Nori's eyes widened as realization struck him when Orochimaru whispered something softly in his ear that made him curse at him and scream his name just before the white snakes constricted and crushed his bones with a sickening squelching sound.
"That was pretty stupid of you, 'old friend'" Jiraiya heard Tsunade murmur into the snake's ear as she stood to his left with a chakra scalpel glowing under his jugular. At the same time Tsunade reappeared beside the snake sannin Jiraiya materialized right in front of him with a rasengan whirling in his palm. "You can't beat both of us and you know it."
The snake sannin shut his eyes as the rasengan plunged into his gut and the chakra scalpel cut his head off. Their efforts amounting to an impressive sum of absolutely nothing as his body exploded into mud, replicating at the last possible second; proving as slippery and elusive as his namesake when he materialized out of the ground several feet away from them.
He saw Orochimaru's eyes dart from side to side as he and Tsunade circled around him; they had him cornered. On one hand there was no escape for him now, on the other hand a caged monster is a wild and unpredictable one.
"Oh, don't be so touchy, Fufu. All of this carnage was never my intention. I'm not arrogant enough to believe I'm strong enough to bring down one of the five down on my own; especially not the 'strongest' of them all."
Jiraiya placed a calming hand on Tsunade's shoulder as unease filling him when he saw the victorious gleam in the snake sannin's eyes. Orochimaru was an arrogant son of a bitch, but when he was smug it meant you had to count your blessing because you were about to get screwed over. "Fuck you, you pale faced freak! Stop screwing around! Admit that you got out played by both Nori and Konoha and die!"
"It seems nothing has changed, I still have to explain everything to you simpletons! I razed Taki no Kuni to the ground to promote instability and weaken the status-quo amongst the five. I ransacked the rich daimyo of that country and used his money to hire an army of nuke-nin to lure Nori here. And that's exactly where my hired men were ordered to turn on Suna and butcher their forces. Between Konoha and my nuke-nin, they never stood a chance…"
Jiraiya's eyes widened as it all started making sense. "You crazy son of a bitch! You'd watch the continent burn to the ground just to survive? Are you that afraid of your own 'comrades' that you'd destroy everything just to keep them distracted?"
Orochimaru's eyes widened and Jiraiya knew he had hit home with his assumption. He had seemed to touch a sensitive spot as his former brother in arms hissed and his chakra spiked. "I fear NO ONE! But I am no fool. They are a greater threat to this world than allof the five combined! If you knew a fraction of what I know you'd share my own…concernsss…"
A different voice cut into the conversation, a violent chakra signature flashing behind them. Jiraiya turned his gaze over his shoulder and his eyes narrowed darkly when the figure spoke viciously. "You three has-beens quarrel like children and pay no heed to your surroundings. Tch, no wonder Konoha has gone to the dogs ever since the Yellow flash died."
Tsunade was the one who spoke in an icy tone full of malice. "Kagome Ishimaru…attacking our village is a mistake your piss poor village will live to regret."
Ishimaru seemed unfazed by her and soon it dawned upon Jiraiya why he was so smug and superior in his disposition. The sky, it was cloudy. It started to rain hard as lightning crackled throughout the dark storm clouds. "This…is not good…This presence…these rain clouds…"
Out of the rain a watery silhouetted took shape, the hauntingly familiar figure intimidating with his scarred face, reddish brown eyes and long blonde hair. "I am Hanzou and two decades ago I spared your lives when I anointed you as the Densetsu no Sannin. But you have shamed your own legacy, one is a pervert, the second an immoral madman and the third a drunkard gambler. It is time I rectify my lapse of judgment…
"Kukukuku…this has turned out to be quite the reunion, hasn't it? What do you two say…will the Densetsu no Sannin dance one last time? Or do we die here divided as prey to these arrogant bastards?"
Jiraiya had mixed feelings about the whole situation. To fight united against would be both nostalgic and memorable but in reality, what other choice did they or Orochimaru have? There was no escaping Hanzou in the rain and Ishimaru had a blood oath to kill the snake for his involvement in his father Oonoki's death.
Tsunade spoke quietly, her voice subdued and her expression revealing how difficult and painful her decision was. She was Godaime and the woman he loved in secret – if she told him he would go to hell and back, though fighting these two seemed equally daunting in retrospect. "When this is over, your pale, scrawny ass is mine!" Tsunade startled and surprised Jiraiya as she smacked her fist into her palm.
He grinned grimly and glanced at Orochimaru that smirked right back at him before they stood in one line, just like old times and locked upon their prey. Bad blood may run between them, but years of teamwork would never die.
"Who'd have thought I'd have to count on him again to survive. Damn it, sensei, do you see flying pigs up there?"
Jutsu translation list
Gokakyo no jutsu – Grand Fireball technique – B class Katon ninjutsu – the user will spew a massive fireball at the opponent.
Kirigakure no jutsu – Hidden Mist Technique – D class Suiton ninjutsu – the user will condense the humidity in the air around him and create a thick veil/sheen of mist.
Gatsuuga – Inuzuka taijutsu technique – the dog-nin will lunge while spinning around at hyper fast speed. The speed, combined with claws create a destructive cutting edge to the technique.
Kiton: Futtou no Kanketsusen - Steam Release: Boiling Geyser – Han will use his unique steam ninjutsu due to his tenant and his armor to unleash rushing bursts of steam to boil his opponents alive.
Kage Mane no jutsu – Shadow imitation technique – The Nara will use his unique clan ninjutsu to extend his/her shadow and latch on his target, usurping control over his/her's motions.
Raiton: Raijin no Ittou – Lightning Release: Sword of the Lightning God – B class Raiton ninjutsu - the user will generate a adjustably long blade of electricity and use it to slice through nearly any substance.
Totsunyuu no Kagesatsugai - Spiraling Murder Wave – A-Class Fuuton ninjutsu – the user will general a massive wave of spiraling cutting wind, shredding and tearing anything in its path.
Hari Jizou - Underworld Guardian Spikes - Hari Jizou is a Ninjutsu technique used by Jiraiya. After forming the needed hand seals, Jiraiya's hair will grow in length to surround and protect his body. In this form it also becomes ridged and spiked, forming a layer of protectiong from direct strikes and blows.
Kaze no Yaiba - Sword of Wind - Kaze no Yaiba is a Ninjutsu technique utilized by the Sand ninja Baki. After forming the needed hand seal, a cutting whirlwind will envelop his opponent and cut them to pieces. Unlike a real sword which can face resistance, the wind blade will be able to slice with little difficulty.