Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or gain or will gain any profit from using the franchise's chars, they belong to Kishimoto, Viz Media, Shounen Jump, Bandai Games and other companies which have license to the franchise.
A/N:
1) This is it folks, the final 'formal' chapter of the story. I want to thank those who stuck by for so long; your reviews (good and bad) have helped teach me many things, evolve as an author and given me food for thought not to mention motivation to write.
2) Hopefully you've enjoyed the story. My next steps will be to write two epilogue pieces (one for Konoha and one for the rest of the ninja world) which ties things up and build things for the sequel. Don't worry, I've got more surprises planned for the epilogue pieces as well…kukukuku
3) Before I begin the sequel I will be spending some weeks rewriting older scenes in the early story and streamlining the story to some newer canon facts so I can incorporate these in the future of the PoD universe, I will then post a brief list of what's been changed per chapter and a link to the new story once I'm done (so you guys and gals may have to wait for a while until I begin the 2nd story).
4) I want to especially thank DarkHeroOrion for helping me with this chapter and especially rasengan86 whose been helping me manipulate my raw plot ideas into more subtle and enjoyable pieces as my plot beta.
5) Well, read, enjoy and review please: I'd love your feedback about the last chapter and the story as a whole if possible. Thank you all!
Japanese Translation Glossary:
Bijuu- Tailed beast/s
Iwa – Rock
Ame – Rain
Gama - Toad
Suna – Sand
Tomoe – Comma
Youki – Evil Energy
Yuki no Kuni – Snow Country
Konoha - Leaf
Konohagakure – Hidden Leaf
Amegakure – Hidden Rain
Iwagakure – Hidden Rock
Sunagakure – Hidden Sand
Ningen – Human
Jinchuuriki – Tailed beast container, aka 'Power of Human Sacrifice'
Sennin – Hermit
Godaime – The Fifth
Yondaime – The Fourth
Shodai – The First
Nidaime – The Second
Densetsu no Sannin – The Legendary Three Ninja
Hokage – Fire Shadow
Tsuchikage – Earth Shadow
Kazekage – Wind Shadow
Suiton: Water Release
Densetsu no Sannin – The Three Legendary Ninja
Bunshin – Clone
Irukauma – Dolphin Horse
Keimon - Opening Gate
Ichibi – One tails
Kyuubi – Nine Tails
Gobi – Five Tails
Gaki – kid
Fuuton – Wind Release
Kodachi – Short Sword
Kuchiyose no jutsu – Summoning technique
Gamayu Endan - Toad Oil Fireball
(Battle Ground, Streets of Konohagakure)
Hatake Kakashi was in a bind, he had been cornered by three Iwa-ninja into a narrow alley in between two buildings. There was a wall at the end of the narrowed area. It was entirely his fault he was in this situation. While fighting and ultimately killing several Ame-chuunin, he had failed to notice the Iwa ninja reforming around him and was then forced to dodge random crossfire between stray Suna ninja and his fellow leaf-nin.
He reached for his forehead protector while shutting his left eye. "I guess it can't be helped." He had avoided using the sharingan due to the extreme strain it put on his chakra. Obito's eye widened slightly as the triple tomoe within it spun. He could see the chakra signatures converging upon him and smirked beneath his mask. "I can see you…"
Kakashi felt his bioelectricity spike as his chakra flushed it. The air around him crackled as electricity danced around his arms and between his fingers. The ninjutsu was a bastardized version of the one Rouga Nadare used against him in Yuki no Kuni and it was called "Raiton: Garairou"
He threw his hands forward, invoking three medium sized lupines made of electricity. The elemental creations were connected to Kakashi via lightning constructs. They roared and their creator directed them at his prey. The wolves moved at incredible speed, bursting through the walls and engulfing their targets.
The ninjutsu left his body somewhat drained and panted hard against his face mask. He covered his sharingan eye, knowing that he needed to conserve chakra but also aware that Konoha's situation was extremely grim. "We won't be able to hold out…there are too many of them…shit!"
Kakashi peered over his shoulder, watching the two silhouettes reforming out of the mist and water. He reached for his weapon's pouch but paused when a figure dropped behind the two Ame-ninja. The figure was clad in ANBU regalia except one main difference; it was clad in a black cloak instead of the brown cloaks of the Hokage guard. "Roots…"
The Black ops agent was bare handed and male upon closer inspection and the size and shape of its hands. The shinobi's palms were purplish in hue and as he clutched the enemies' faces, one in each hand they screamed and writhed in agony as the purple hue spread over to their faces and devoured their flesh rapidly. "I never thought I'd be glad to see one of Danzou's cronies. It seems the situation must be dire for him to unleash his covert agents out in the open like this."
The agents nodded at Kakashi before it blurred and vanished via 'Shunshin no Jutsu'. The copy ninja sniffed the air and his visible eye narrowed as he reached into the pocket of his flak jacket. He procured a black soldier pill and quickly pulled back his mask to swallow it. "I don't have a lot of these left…I can't believe my best hope for survival is that Danzou's intervention will be enough to turn the tides …"
Kakashi followed the scent of fresh blood, crisscrossing through a series of wide streets cautiously. When he reached an intersection of roads with a fountain in the middle, he paused and hid behind a wall, peering over the edge.
A single Suna ninja was standing on the fountain itself, surrounded by the shredded bodies of no less than seven Ame ninja and two Iwa ninja. It would appear Ishimaru and Hanzou had no intention of keeping their side of the bargain with Sabaku no Nori and had turned on him as well – how unfortunate for the Suna ninja.
The man was around his age from the looks of it, half his face covered by a piece of white, now crimson stained, cloth. "That's the Suna Jinchuuriki's sensei…no wonder he's strong. From the looks of the bodies, he's primarily a wind ninjutsu user."
As he ran his hand through a series of hand seals, preparing to incinerate the Suna-nin, he briefly paused as the echoing voice of none other than Danzou rumbled throughout Konoha. "Shinobi of Konohagakure, as per the emergency authority of the advisory council, we hereby declare edict forty three of the Shodai Hokage is in effect. Any Suna Shinobi that chooses to side with you in battle is hereby pardoned of the death penalty and will be given parlay pending extradition back to Suna once the battle is over.
"We of the council turn to you, Ninja of Sunagakure and beseech you to be reasonable. Your Kazekage has been betrayed by both Orochimaru and your 'allies' of Iwagakure and Amegakure. Your only chance of survival is siding with Konohagakure so choose wisely – your lives depend on it."
The copy ninja was surprised; every ninja of Konoha knew the arcane law which was edict forty-three – the emergency conscription protocol. It had only been used once before, in the days of Senju Supremacy in the transition era between Shodai and Nidaime's rule. It was a leap of faith; it had succeeded back then, however in those days few were the ninja that dared face down the wrath of Senju Tobirama's Suiton ninjutsu, would it work today?
Kakashi pulled back his headband and shut his natural eye and stepped into the open area. He remembered the jounin's name and spoke sternly, prepared for any scenario. "Baki of Suna, will you join me in battle, or will you fight me to your death?"
Baki turned towards Kakashi, his single visible eye narrowed and solemn. They glared at one another for several moments before the Suna ninja bit his lower lip, "So be it; as much as I loathe the thought, your brass is right. We won't survive if we fight everyone at once…"
(Back in the Arena, fight of the Sannin and Invading Kage)
"Dibs on Ishimaru. Enjoy fighting Hanzou, guys!" Tsunade called out suddenly in a slightly mischievous manner. She broke off from the other two sannin and charged at the Tsuchikage. Jiraiya almost laughed, but the situation was far too dire as he watched the slug sannin roar angrily.
She pulled back her hand, smashing through Ishimaru's earth jutsu with her super strength. The impact shattered the stone, the implosion acting as signal for him and Orochimaru to begin. He glanced tentatively at his former brother in arms whose yellow eyes almost seemed to glow in gloom. "Let's do this…"
Orochimaru nodded and Jiraiya slapped his hands together. He knew Orochimaru would pick up his ninjutsu; he always did and so went for broke, so to say. In the rain, his fire element was weak, but if it was supplemented by another element, it just might do the trick. He exhaled hard, pushing the chakra fueled flame through his lips, the narrow cone shaping itself in the form of a serpent via the 'Katon: Shounetsu Jigoku no Hebi.'
Hanzou's seemed unimpressed, his grayish blonde hair flapping in the wind as he whipped his hands to his sides, the rain around him deforming and circling around him. Orochimaru was still making hand seals, ignoring the fact his attack had been dispelled by a shockwave of freezing cold water.
"His raw water manipulation had improved even more since that fateful battle. Just peachy…and Orochimaru's off…key?" Jiraiya's eyes widened a fraction as the snake sannin chose a most surprising element as he thrust his hands forward. The concrete around Hanzou exploded as massive clawed hands pawed at him when his former teammate invoked the 'Doton: Makejitamashii no Tsume.'
Jiraiya cursed, "What are you doing?! Earth won't work on him, remember?" And as per prediction the legendary salamander's eyes pulsed in pure white. He clapped his hands once and then leaped and spun around, invoking a brief, massive blast of lightning which tore apart everything in his close vicinity.
Orochimaru hissed audibly before his cheeks puffed considerably. "Don't ask questions, you buffoon! Attack him!"
Jiraiya growled and made hand seals rapidly and decided they might as well improvise; there were no rules when fighting someone of Hanzou's caliber anyway. He watched as around half a dozen black snakes charged at Hanzou, each of them opening its mouth and spewing out the Kusanagi blade.
The salamander's body blurred as he used 'Shunshin no Jutsu' offensively, weaving through the tangle of snakes with graceful ease. Jiraiya didn't even wait to see Hanzou's heel smash into Orochimaru's crossed arms, and as his fellow sannin was catapulted backwards, he already unleashed his designated attack. His hair hardened and grew before a rain of needle like projectiles pelted Hanzou via the 'Jigokubari.'
Hanzou ran through five hand seals at blinding speed. His hands pulsed with electricity as he invoked a most surprising form of lightning ninjutsu. The electricity formed a condensed lightning sphere that collapsed inwardly, creating artificial thunder that exploded outwards, the shockwave deflecting his attack and nearly blowing the toad sannin back.
The Salamander eyes darted from side to side as Orochimaru was nowhere to be seen. "Pathetic. Is this the might of the Densetsu no Sannin? I feel like I'm entertaining genin. Surely there is more to you than this…" The Salamander declared coolly.
He felt something slither around his leg and soon as snake wrapped around his arm. "Jiraiya, Orochimaru-ssssama says use the oil!" a snake familiar hissed at him. Jiraiya's eyes widened a bit as he caught on. He made a single tiger seal and unleashed the massive torrent of oil known as 'Gamayudan.'
Jiraiya's skin crawled faintly as one Orochimaru reformed on his right and another on his left. The snake sannin didn't use shadow clones often, but this combined jutsu was going to be dangerous. That much he could surmise as one of them unleashed a 'Karyuu Endan' and the other unleashed a 'Fuuton: Daitoppa'.
The toad sannin squinted his eyes as a massive torrent of white fire seared its way towards the salamander. He could literally feel the heat as it sucked the oxygen and illuminated the entire area. He made six hand seals, refusing to lean on the other sannin. "Tch, I don't take orders from you like I used to, Orochimaru. You try and to keep up with my lead for a change!"
Jiraiya slapped his hands together and as Hanzou leaped into the air, somersaulting backwards and surprising Orochimaru by using one of his clones as a catapult to launch himself into the air. The Salamander used shunshin, trying to fly backwards in mid air. But as the toad sannin expected, in his arrogance, Hanzou had miscalculated and failed to avoid the follow up 'Gamayudan'; dousing the Ame leader in flammable oil.
He didn't even have to look to know Orochimaru had already invoked a fire ninjutsu, the scarlet blaze of multiple explosive fireballs via the 'Housenka no Jutsu' bringing a grin to his lips. That was a most effective jutsu to use in the situation and Orochimaru analyzed his strategy perfectly; he had to hand it to Orochimaru as difficult as it was to admit. The jutsu's range and combustion and the fact even the smallest spark would ignite the salamander and roast him alive.
But before Hanzou could try and protect himself it would seem his partner, Ishimaru, beat him to the punch. The earth around him exploded. The stone expanded and grew, forming a jagged wall of malformed concrete that protected him from harm. He feared the worst and sought his female teammate with his eyes. "Tsunade…are you…?"
The sound of Tsunade's angry growl sent relief through him as she literally tore through a massive pile of debris. She was covered in dust and grime, but very much alive and more importantly –royally pissed off. "Ooooh…she's pissed…I don't pity Hanzou and Ishimaru now…"
The three former teammates converged, glaring upwards as Ishimaru placed his hand on Hanzou and used Earth manipulation to pull the oil off his skin and body, compacting it into his hand before discarding it. "Damn it, we almost had him for sure…"
"You're pathetic, Hanzou," Orochimaru taunted in an airy tone, grinning widely as he spread his hands to his sides. "For all your high talk and honorable 'legacy' bullshit, you're just full of crap. The real reason you've left Amegakure and joined this suicidal little venture is your desperation, isn't it? I suppose the 'God' that has emerged in your country is so intimidating that it drove you to grovel and beg Iwa to save your ass."
Hanzou's body language changed from an aloof calm to a tense one. He spoke in a tight tone and pointed at the sannin. "Regardless of my reasons, you three are going to die. And upon your broken corpses, I will immortalize my legacy while Ishimaru-san will get his revenge on you three for the damage caused during the last war."
Tsunade yawned dramatically, "Will you guys stop comparing your dicks and insulting each other's egos!? I don't give a flying fuck why any of you came here, but now that you're here, you're all going home in body bags, as far as I'm concerned!"
Before the battle could resume, Danzou's surprising announcement echoed around them. Jiraiya's eyes narrowed and he caught Tsunade's teeth gritting tightly. "Crafty old bastards, going over Tsunade's head with emergency authority like that...But I can't blame'em. I guess we'll need all the help we can get…"
(Meanwhile on Edges of Konoha, Abandoned Resident District, fight of the Jinchuuriki)
Uzumaki Naruto briefly shut his eyes, hissing in pain as he tugged on the slivers of the fox's youki in his tenketsu. The disgusting sound of bones fusing back and popping into place made him shudder. Moments later, he flexed his fingers and glared at the older container. 'This guy's at least as strong as Kakashi-sensei…how am I supposed to deal with someone like that!?'
His bijuu suggested the most logical suggestion under the current situation. "You know the answer, Naruto. You are a human weapon, just like these two. So, start acting the part lest your fear becomes our undoing! USE my power and finish this!"
The blonde snorted and whispered to himself, "Not yet…" He snapped his eyes open, catching sight of Gaara pointing both of his arms at Han. The elder Jinchuuriki mimicked the gesture, his eyes flickering in blue. The air around Han's arms condensed violently, forming a swirling sphere of water.
As the sand raced at him, he simply unleashed a spiraling current of water. The high-velocity liquid was so fierce it pierced the wall of sand. Had Gaara not used a Suna Bunshin, it would've most likely torn a hole through his chest as well.
Naruto capitalized on the other container diverting his attention on Gaara. He created several shadow clones. He used the concealment of the cloud of white to run through another series of hand seals while his clones burst into action. Some of his clones charged at their target in a criss-cross pattern, while several of them unleashed a volley of wind bullets, water bullets and one even unleashed a 'Goukakyuu no jutsu'.
The original, however, sunk into the soil beneath his feet; using the 'Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu' to sneak under his target's feet. Information flashed through his head as Han dodged, repelled and otherwise crushed his intricate attack pattern with fists, feet and steam; the Jounin's speed and grace light-years ahead of his own.
He emerged from the soil right behind Han and grinned faintly. Gaara was very cunning and seemed to know how to cooperate naturally as tendrils of golden sand constricted around Han's wrists and ankles, immobilizing him. Naruto capitalized on the opportunity and aimed his wind coated kunai towards the Iwa-nin's spinal cord.
Naruto's victory was cut short as Han's body exploded into blinding azure; the Gobi's youki erupting in all directions, severing the sand and creating a violent shockwave that knocked Naruto quite a ways back. He grunted in pain as his body smashed into Han's armored torso. Then, he roared in pain as impossible heat ensnared him, a wave of raw flame bursting from Han's palm. "I told you to stop fucking around, kid!"
He could barely breathe as he hit the ground, bouncing off it several times before he came to a stop. Everything hurt as he forced himself to turn his gaze towards the sounds of battle, watching Han punch through Gaara's armor and plant his fist into the other container's chest. The blow shattered the sand armor before the follow-up steam blast knocked Gaara into a tree.
Han's voice was slightly guttural and echoed with power; his eyes pulsing with glowing blue youki. "You children should never have dared to step into battle with me. Your arrogance knows no boundary. Now, accept my divine judgment and die!"
Naruto screamed as his chest felt like it exploded from the inside, out. The Kyuubi was not fucking around anymore; with his body so weak and consciousness tenuous at best, it was not going to take no for an Kyuubi's cage flashed in front of his eyes, burning crimson bursting through the bars. "ENOUGH! I will not be beaten by that worthless dolphin horse!"
Molten flame flooded his entire body, every nerve coming to life as his body mended itself at breakneck speed. His senses sharpened and the intoxicating rapture overwhelmed him. He squinted his eyes and gritted his teeth "All right…All right! You were right all along, damn it! I'll do it! I'll use your fucking power!"
The fox laughed in his mind, its malevolent presence haunting and bone chilling. Naruto's skin crawled as the bijuu was entirely too entertained and its power's intensity kept on growing."That's more like it, boy. Don't disappoint me…"
Naruto sensed another resonance and peeked to his right, catching sight of Gaara standing up, his body now encased in a Tanuki demon like carapace of hardened sand. Naruto grinned, revealing sharper incisors and rushed forth, sensing his fellow teen jinchuuriki do the same. "You shouldn't write us off so easily, you son of a bitch!"
The distance between him and Han disappeared much quicker than he expected as he clawed at Han, the miasma like construct of his 'fox cloak' mimicking the motion. The elder container dodged, his body moving even faster than before, a blue after image following his motions right before an impossible force smashed into Naruto's body as an ethereal hand of blue energy crashed into him.
Han's eyes glowed in hollow blue as four tails formed behind him. They moved as if on their volition; deflecting, destroying and otherwise countering all of Gaara's sand arms and sand attacks. "That's more like it, but it's not enough!"
Naruto looked down at his body, his cells regenerating and spewing out the half melted steel imbedded in his flesh. His ribs also mended after Han's blow nearly shattered them. The pain followed by relief planted an insane idea in his head and his lips spread into a wild grin. In his feral state the foxy expression seemed absolutely evil.
He pulled his right hand back and watched bubbles of blue compacted around the area where Han's mouth was. The energy focalized into a tight and small pulsing sphere. Naruto wasn't deterred, and he shut his eyes, bowing his head and covering his body with one arm while retaining the other behind his body.
He clenched his hand and forced the youki into his palm before he sprinted forth at full speed. The ultimate irony would set him free - the combination of his father's prized technique and his burden's forbidden power. "Kyuubi, give me all you've got, you bastard!"
The Uzumaki bit his lips as he shut his eyes, his body tensing as the youki blast connected with him head on. The crimson around him grew thicker, but it could not completely deter the clashing energy, Naruto simply wasn't using enough tails to contend with it.
He felt his skin burning but screamed and plowed right through the azure beam. Once the intensity weakened, he opened his eyes just a bit; enough to catch Han's shock as he thrust the spinning crimson ninjutsu into his chest. "I'll show you what's 'not enough', you son of a bitch! RASENGAN!"
Naruto watched Han's armor crumple inwardly before he was sent flying backwards at impossible speeds. He then panted heavily and fell to his knees, hissing out in pain as his body regenerated once more. He looked into the distance, watching the smoking; buried pile of debris that was what was left of Han and grinned.
He could feel the fox's glee, the pulsing heat in his body absolutely unbearable. It was probably gleeful that its power trounced the 'upstart dolphin horse' or some bullshit like that. "I told you…as long as you use my power. You will never lose!"
He laughed a bit in relief, nearly crying as he looked at Gaara, the golden armor around his body receding as the Suna jinchuuriki walked over to him. "Uzumaki, my village has betrayed yours, but I have no love lost for Sunagakure and will not attack you or Konohagakure. Know that you intrigue me…so don't die. I have much to learn from watching you before I decide if I should kill you or not."
Naruto grimaced and watched Gaara turn his back on him as he shakily rose to his feet, spent and slightly nauseous as the fox's power retreated back into the seal that now felt irritated and tingly. "Just great…is that your way of saying thanks? Geez, I keep on attracting crazies by the minute…"
They both paused and glanced backwards as the ground around them quaked violently. Blue energy exploded from the pile of stone and flesh, rising into the sky in form of a massive pillar of power. In the center of the maelstrom Han stood up, the remainders of his armor falling off his body and bursting out of his flesh.
Naruto cursed, watching Han stand up despite the profusely bleeding wound on the man's wide frame. Han's mask and hat were gone, the face of a young man with a strong square chin and striking handsome features revealed. The Iwa-ninja coughed blood but grinned, "Not bad…I wasn't expecting a regenerator…"
He made a single tiger seal, and an intricate pattern of seals glowed to life all over his body, all the symbols leading to a single circle over his abdomen which now pulsed with raw power. "Unfortunately for you, I always come prepared." He said and tossed a syringe aside, whatever was in it obviously medical since before their eyes, Han's body partially fixed the fatal wound in his upper body; enough for it to be bearable most likely.
Han's body blurred a bit as the energy around him seemed to solidify and swallow him. The construct mutated and twisted until it formed a massive four legged shape. The glow vanished and before them stood a massive bluish white creature with the body of a horse but a double-horned dolphin's head and five long tails. "Now…I'm actually pissed. So say your prayers…because you're both dead."
(The edges of Konona's civilian districts, path to the escape tunnels)
Sakura panted heavily, her body covered in sweat, blood and ash. In her stealthy, genjutsu-concealed 'escape', she had managed to sneak past most of the fighting forces from Konoha, Roots and the enemy. She just wasn't significant enough in her presence or chakra pressure to warrant attention, she had never been as thankful of her small chakra pool as she was at that moment.
She was so close to freedom she could taste its sweet flavor. Her emerald eyes were locked upon the intersection in front of her: to the left lay the freedom of accessing the escape tunnels which led to the border with the former waterfall country; to the right lay the damnation of entering the shelters in the depths of the Hokage Mountain.
The crimson haired de facto nuke-nin crept quietly, her back pressed against the wall; the environmental blending genjutsu protected her tenuously at best. If she stood still, she was invisible to the naked eye; however, the slightest motion would reveal her body's silhouette. She had to be careful. "Stop! I sense multiple people approaching…be careful, Sakura-chan."
She stood still, peering as she watched the familiar figures of Shikamaru and Ino stop at the intersection. The two genin peered carefully through the area as several nameless ninja passed behind them, protecting several academy students from her age group that she remembered, as well as sickly and wounded-looking civilians. "Don't notice us, don't notice us…don't notice us, damn it!"
Ino turned to Shikamaru and they exchanged words inaudibly. Shikamaru frowned and they seemed to argue briefly. The Nara put his hands on her shoulders and said something she could read from his lips: 'don't die.'
The Nara then turned and ran after the file of ninja. Sakura was surprised by her best friend's boldness. There was a different, darker gleam in those blue eyes. "So he and Ino-chan were the scouts, and since they're close have become the flank. That means she's all alone…but she won't be for long…"
Ino spoke in a solemn, confused manner, her blue eyes flickering with an odd emotion they could not quite discern. "Sakura, I recognize your chakra signature, so you can kill the genjutsu. The real question is why are you hiding from me and from the rest of our comrades."
Sakura smirked to herself as she dispelled the illusion around her, locking her emerald eyes with those of emotional azure. "Ino-chan, I think you know the answer to that question on your own, by the unshed tears I see collecting in your eyes."
Ino's voice was sharp as she cautiously stepped closer, obviously not as gullible as the twin personalities had once known her to be. "Why, Sakura? This is our home! We were born here. Our parents were born here. How can you turn your back on Konohagakure!? How can you turn your back on our friends?"
She silenced it and forced herself to stay calm. She could not afford to make any mistakes, regardless of her sentiments. "Stop playing games, Ino. Your lips say 'how could you turn on Konoha' but your eyes and heart ask me 'how can I turn on our friendship?'
I think you should ask yourself, 'Why didn't I do anything to help Sakura sooner?' After all, for all your teary eyes and pity, you haven't exactly given me the incentive to be your friend in the last couple of months, have you?"
Ino's gritted her teeth as she took a step forward, prompting Sakura to take a step backward. "What the fuck are you talking about? Stop this madness and come with me. We'll get you help and fix this somehow. It isn't too late!"
Sakura laughed, biting her lower lip as unwilling tears collected in her eyes. Oh how she wished what Ino said was possible. Oh, how she wished there was somewhere out there that could help her, save her. But, there wasn't: she was all alone. "You're lying to me and to yourself, Ino. We both know I'm a dead woman walking unless I get out of here. Step aside – I don't want to hurt you."
Ino hesitated, unsure if to stay put or come closer. "Why, Sakura? Why does it have to be like this?"
She couldn't hold it inside anymore, this was her friend; the one person she still cared for ever since her mother died months ago. Her voice was so soft and anguished it touched something inside her and months of suppressed emotion burst out as searing tears fell down her eyes. "Damn it! Damn it, Ino! Why don't you fucking get it?! Why do you always make us…u-me feel so..."
She wiped her eyes and gulped air shakily. "You really want to know? Fine! I'm royally fucked, Ino. I can't stay here because I'll die if I do. When that bastard Kakashi chose Naruto over me, I was taken in by a council member called Danzou. He 'trained' me while abusing me mentally and emotionally to 'condition me' to 'erase my emotions'!"
The only reason she wasn't screaming was due to her inner-persona's violent caution against revealing their location. "But I always failed! And he beat me! And tortured me and taunted me every time I failed!"
Ino's eyes were wide and her mouth gaped a bit. She took a step closer, but Sakura took another step back. "And nobody could or was willing to help me! That crazy bitch Anko made it clear she didn't stand my guts and would rather kill me than help me. Kakashi never bothered trying to help me and every other ninja looked at me like I'm some freaking leper! I'm dead to everyone because I voiced my opinion against Konoha's 'new golden boy', Naruto!"
"S-Sakura, but Naruto never…"
"No! Don't waste my time on trying to explain his innocence to me. I don't give a fuck! The truth is Naruto's responsible for Sasuke's death one way or another and he refuses to acknowledge it. Sasuke's dead and Naruto's taken his place! I can't accept it! I loved him!"
Ino looked uncomfortable, her teeth gnawing on her lower lip as she whispered softly. "Sakura…c'mon, be reasonable. How could you love someone you barely knew?!"
"I could and I did! But that doesn't matter anymore. None of it fucking matters anymore! Danzou killed my mom! He tortured her, imprisoned her and used her as collateral and when he didn't need me anymore he executed her like garbage! But I couldn't do anything…I'm always watched…ALL THE TIME by his agents. I can feel them looking at me, analyzing me and waiting…waiting to kill me!"
Ino shut her eyes, conflicted and uncertain. "That doesn't explain why you nearly killed Tenten or why you poisoned Neji. Sakura, don't you see that you're not well? You need help; I'm sure once you explain everything to Godaime-sama she'll understand take your mental state into consideration. Nobody should have to deal with all that pain and suffering – she has to understand!"
Sakura gulped and shook her head, the screaming sound of her alter ego pushing her to hurry up and get going making her confused. "They…they were…I had to…I had to!"
"No! Stop making excuses to justify what you've done, Sakura! You've tried to kill your fellow Leaf-nin, and you know how bad that is! Your only chance to live is if I protect you!"
"Stop saying that! You can't stop Danzou and that bitch Tsunade doesn't fucking care about me. She has bigger fish to fry in case you haven't noticed! She'll just kill me or toss me in jail to get rid of me! So if you really care for me, help me by letting me go."
"I can't, you know that…"
"Enough! Damn it! We don't have time for this!" Sakura shut her eyes and gritted her teeth, feeling her violent persona usurp control. Her skin tingled and body felt different. Her posture changed from unsteady and emotional to icy cold, her emerald eyes no longer reflecting sadness or any other emotion for that matter.
Sakura screamed in her own mind, a prisoner in her own body as it moved rapidly. Ino seemed prepared and ran through some hand seals, but she wasn't quick enough as 'inner-Sakura's' hand whipped in a perfect motion of her taijutsu; two fingers jabbed directly into Ino's left breast with deadly, chakra enforced precision. "NO! Don't hurt her! I forbid it!"
Ino coughed blood and Sakura shaped her other hand into an open palm, preparing for the coup de grace. Inner-Sakura spoke in their collective consciousness; almost truly sounded apologetic. "She makes us weak and she'll get us killed. This is for the best…I'm sorry…"
Sakura screamed in her mind in horror, sadness and woe right before her face exploded in pain. The agony was enough to weaken inner-sakura's grip on their collective body. That presence, the familiar grip around her neck and those eerie gold and violet eyes sent panic and horror through her entire body. "An-Anko…"
Ino's body slumped to the ground, the young genin writhing in pain while up coughing blood. Anko's eyes never left Sakura's and her voice was paralyzing; her grin was the stuff of nightmares. "I warned you not to abuse the hebi-style against Leaf ninja, didn't I, shit stain? Now…you're going to…"
Anko's words died on her lips as the snakes curled around her arms suddenly constricted around her limbs, and one slipped through her robe and wrapped around her neck. Sakura dropped to the ground and backed away fearfully as she watched multiple snakes capturing and biting into Anko's flesh. "What the fuck are you doing? Stop it! I command you to stop it!"
Sakura didn't wait for Anko to recover and shakily rose to her feet, hearing the snakes laugh if it was possible. "You've outlassssted your usefulnesssss, fake summoner. We have new ordersssss from the venom queen now…"
She ran, hearing Anko curse and scream in the background. The collective consciousness of Haruno Sakura, now united in necessity despite their recent 'spat' laughed in unison. One of their greatest tormentors had finally been served the appropriate dose of 'karma' and gotten fucked over by their own 'strength'.
They were free, Ino would live and Anko was gone – this was indeed a glorious day to be Haruno Sakura.
(Somewhere in the Battle Ground in the Streets of Konoha)
Lee was nervous, his eyes darting from side to side. He and Tenten had been forced to detour on their way to the shelter. The reason for their delay was that a massive tremor had torn apart the entire street, huge fissures presenting a non-traversable obstacle. It was true that any ninja worth his or her salt could use chakra to pass it, but nobody was in mood of being crushed by the ninjutsu of any lurking Iwa-ninja who had the elemental advantage.
The taijutsu specialist was flanked by Tenten, the two genin having weaved through the streets carefully. The battle ground was true chaos, ninjutsu and projectiles flying in all directions. The streets were full of gaping holes, toppled buildings and wild fires. It pained Lee's heart to see the glory of Konoha reduced to such a twisted visage.
Lee stopped abruptly and signaled his teammate to stop. He heard something that he had to address or he'd never forgive himself. "Tenten, I think I hear…children crying…."
"I know, Lee…but…but what if we…" She hesitated and Lee understood her dilemma. On one hand, it was their moral duty to protect the weak and innocent, but they were safe for now, and cutting from this route might drive them into the heart of conflict.
He shook his head and grasped her wrist, "Tenten, we have to! It's our job, what we've trained for. We have to…Look out!"
He pushed her aside forcefully as kunai rained down on them. He somersaulted backwards, using his hands and feet to wave through the rain of lethal steel. He couldn't see their enemy; whoever it had been hiding quite masterfully or under the protecting of a genjutsu.
He watched Tenten deflect some projectiles and retaliate with a kunai with an explosive note attached to it His weights were long since discarded the moment the invasion started, so he took out a kunai and looked around.
He cursed under his breath. He couldn't dispel the genjutsu and so he was left with no alternative other than seeking shelter behind a chunk of debris. The harsh words Neji and Naruto each kept on thrusting in his face haunted him: "Lee, quit being a ninja. You'll only become a burden…"
Lee cautiously peered over the debris, watching Tenten follow his lead, pinned behind a wall. The ground beneath him trembled and that's when he realized the depth of their predicament. He leaped away from the earth ninjutsu that threatened to crush him and caught the silhouette of an individual slinking in the shadow of the window of a nearby building.
He shut his eyes briefly, reaching into spirit and opening the Keimon - Opening Gate. He felt his body ignite with power and burst into action, his blurry body closing the gap between him and the building while he reached into his weapons' pack and took out a metallic sphere. It was a cluster bomb like weapon Tenten had given him and so he tossed it into the room he saw the person in.
The figure leaped out of the window, right into a volley of kunai and shuriken a la Tenten. Most of the projectiles were dodged but one hit home; the figure grunting as his illusion shimmered and revealed Umino Iruka.
"Oi! Wait you two! I'm with leaf; I'm trying to help you!" The chuunin called out, clutching his side where a long bleeding cut. Lee's eyes widened as his former instructor was holding a kunai in his left arm.
Iruka spun around while tossing his weapon, embedding the weapon into the window of an adjacent building, the area erupting into scarlet flame. The chuunin coughed some blood and looked around. "What are you two doing here "Never mind! Get out of here! There are enemies all around us, but I'll cover you!"
"But you're wounded, Iruka-sensei!" Lee hesitated as he moved to Tenten's side. He glanced at her and she too seemed concerned but nodded grimly. She tugged on his arm but Lee shook his head and pressed on more urgently. "But what about the children…?"
Iruka clutched his side, crimson bleeding through his fingers. The gash was most likely deeper than it looked. "There are no children here, Lee! Do you really think our village would forsake civilians and fight this hard while they're exposed? It's a recording to draw the enemy. At least, it was, before you blew my cover…"
Tenten grabbed his wrist hard and tugged on it urgently. Lee's eyes narrowed as he noticed how labored Iruka's breathing had become. The chuunin spoke in a cold and almost violent manner, "Look, you two violated explicit orders by Godaime-sama to evacuate. I don't know why, and frankly, I don't really care, but you two are risking every jounin and chuunin here that will try and protect you like I am. Stop being selfish and stupid and get the hell out of here! That's an order!"
Lee froze at those words; everything he had been warned about by Neji and Naruto was coming true. He gritted his teeth and tried to deal with the warring guilt and emotions before Tenten punched him hard, knocking him out of his turmoil.
"God damn it, Lee! Come on, we have to get out of here!"
He shook his head and nodded. "Get on my back. I'll get us there faster," he commanded Tenten and knelt forward a bit. The weapons mistress obliged, knowing he was most likely right. The moment he felt her arms wrap around his neck, he took off as quickly as he could.
Tenten's kunai had nicked something vital. Iruka's face had turned pale, and his flak jacket was stained scarlet when they left him. He tried to push the thought aside, but the tears Tenten shed into his back confirmed his worst fear and made it impossible to deny any longer: their amateurish mistake killed Umino Iruka.
(Meanwhile, Back in the Arena)
Tsunade's eyes were narrowed, her mind racing as she looked upward at Hanzou and Ishimaru. The Slug sannin realized now that if they were going to survive and prevail they had to use the one commodity that gave them an advantage over their foes; the same thing made Konoha famous throughout the ninja world: teamwork.
She spoke coolly and smashed her fists together. "Oi, let's show these bastards battle formation three,"
Orochimaru chuckled darkly and his yellow eyes seemed to glow in the storm induced darkness. He clapped his hands together before he leaped into the air and landed on Tsunade's shoulders that leaped unto Jiraiya's shoulders. Each of the sannin ran through an individual hand seal sequence; their attack enacted in a manner of seconds.
Jiraiya spewed a massive torrent of water from his mouth and at the same time Tsunade unleashed a massive blast of electricity which supercharged the liquid. Then Orochimaru finished the jutsu by encasing the destructive combination in a tornado of wind chakra that both compacted and navigated the attack towards their enemies.
During the third ninja war, the attack was nicknamed the 'Are Musou' and it had killed a good share of shinobi in its time. Hanzou and Ishimaru each leaped off the wall, each using Shunshin to try and escape the jutsu's destructive grasp.
"Not so fasssst, my friends!" Orochimaru cried out; his chakra erupting around him as he maintained his control over the air. His face showed the effort he exerted as he used raw wind manipulation to split the jutsu into two. The attacked continued following their enemies whereas his teammates each made a hand seal sequence of their own to follow up the combination attack.
Hanzou growled angrily, his body exploding into white light as he used raw lightning chakra to augment his speed and strength; literally tearing a path towards them while easily outpacing their earlier attack. At the same time the Tsuchikage leaped into the air for a moment before he formed a river of mud beneath his feet and glided across at increased speed.
Jiraiya grinned as Tsunade and Orochimaru in turn leaped off his shoulders. Jiraiya slapped his hands together and pushed his chakra into his lungs. He spewed a massive plume of fire - the scarlet inferno igniting Ishimaru's mud - and raced toward him at a breakneck pace.
Tsunade finished her ninjutsu the moment she landed on the ground, thrusting both of her hands forward. That slug woman unleashed a double 'Suiryuudan' ninjutsu; the water around her condensing before it shot off towards Hanzou in the form of twin liquid dragons.
Hanzou somersaulted over the raging water constructs while cupping his hands together. He transferred the lightning from his body to his palms and created a small pulsing sphere of electricity that he intended to throw right at the exposed slug summoner. But the Salamander was forced to improvise and unleash the lightning in form of a bolt when he caught sight of the snake sannin charging at him in blurry.
Orochimaru's skin tore, his body burst down from its snakeskin to the left, narrowly dodging death by electrocution. The snake sannin then launched himself forward while Tsunade flanked Hanzou, both prepared to overwhelm Hanzou with taijutsu most likely.
The salamander sidestepped and avoided Tsunade's punch; kicking her aside violently just in time to slap Orochimaru's double palm thrust off course. He bent backwards; avoiding the extending length of the Kusanagi blade before cursing audibly. He slapped his palm against his own chest, shedding his legendary armor. The emergency release removed his armor while hitting him with an intense gust of wind that propelled him backward to safety.
The action saved him from certain death as the hard Kevlar substance absorbed the full brunt of Tsunade's fist. The Godaime Hokage then shouted at Orochimaru a single, meaningful word. "Switch!"
At the same time Ishimaru had erected a platform of concrete before Jiraiya's fire could roast him alive. He propelled himself into the air and made five hand seals before grinned in a playful manner at the toad sannin as he unleashed a massive gust of wind; feeding the flames beneath them and fanning them towards Jiraiya.
The toad sennin reached behind him and unfurled a scroll before placing on the ground in front of him. He made a single hand seal and grinned back at Ishimaru as he ran through some hand seals and slapped his hand on seal circle in its center: "Fuuinjutsu: Fuuka Houin."
The fire was sucked violently into the center of the scroll by a glowing blue vapor as Ishimaru landed on the ground. Jiraiya looked over his shoulder, watching Orochimaru run through a very particular set of hand seals before he slammed his palms against the earth.
A mischievous grin spread over the white haired man's lips as Orochimaru initiated the 'Tsuchi Kairou' technique. He bit his thumbs before he ran through a hand seal sequence of his own with his blood stained palms.
As the earth around Ishimaru and Jiraiya rose violently and trapped them in a narrow passage, Jiraiya executed one of his ultimate gama ninjutsu, the 'Gamaguchi Shibari'. The Tsuchikage's eyes widened in shock as the stone was covered by living, soft tissue, the esophagus of a toad to be precise. "It's over for you, Ishimaru, there is no escaping this ninjutsu!"
Ishimaru shocked turned to feral amusement as he laughed softly, his body crumbling into dust. Jiraiya's eyes narrowed considerably and he realized Ishimaru must've substituted himself with an earth clone when he blanketed the area in the wind propelled fire.
Jiraiya scowled as he dispelled the ninjutsu and as he escaped the tunnel he witnessed Orochimaru trade blows with Ishimaru whereas Hanzou and Tsunade exchanged lightning ninjutsu violently. He was about to go assist Tsunade when something caught his attention and his mouth dropped and eyes widened.
There in the distance stood the horrifying sight of the Gobi no Irukauma in all its beastly glory. Ishimaru and Orochimaru broke apart and so did Hanzou and Tsunade, all the kage-level ninja looking into the distance. Ishimaru laughed and Hanzou seemed quite amused at the turn of events. The invading duo thus pressed on violently, capitalizing on the shift on morale.
The invasion had just taken a turn for the worst and there was no telling what would happen next. All across the battlefield the battle raged on with earnest, both sides suffering casualties but neither preparing to give up.
(Meanwhile, Battle of the Jinchuuriki)
Naruto's eyes widened in horror as the ferociously magnificent presence of the dolphin-horse struck him with full force. Fear gripped him tightly as he hadn't the slightest what he was supposed to do against such a monster.
The creature spoke, its voice similar to Han's except the echo of ancient, malevolent darkness that coated its words. "That's a good expression, Gaki. Finally you realize the gravity of your situation. And now, I shall fulfill my original purpose and level your pathetic village to the ground."
The Kyuubi container was startled by a darker, far more evil voice as it exploded in his mind. The rage of the strongest of the nine pulsed through every fiber of his being as it spoke to him. "Will you stop gawking at that miserable Irukauma?! When will you finally get it through your thick skull that I have more power in my snout than that thing has in its entire body!? And all of it is at your disposal if only you stop hesitating! Stop sniveling and use your summoning contract to call upon one of those miserable amphibians to aid you!"
Gaara's voice spoke beside him as the ground around them started trembling for a different reason this time. The Kyuubi container leaped away as the earth around them spun around Gaara, sand forming and rising in a huge vortex around the Suna Jinchuuriki.
His voice was louder, stronger and also rang with the rage of the ancients. "Uzumaki Naruto, surely this isn't all you've got? Prove to me saving your life was worth it and that your victory was not a fluke...or I'll change my mind about sparing you!"
Naruto nearly smacked himself in exasperation as yet another massive force of nature made its presence known. Gaara assumed the form of the Ichibi no Shukaku, his massive form roaring. The stakes had just risen considerably; if Gaara lost control over the Ichibi than things would take a turn for the worst.
He looked around them, they were too close to the center of the village and if he didn't do something this fight would demolish Konoha. So before he could bring about another titanic creature into the battlefield he had to push the Gobi back.
He cursed and gambled with his life. He leaped unto Shukaku's leg and started running up the surface of its leg. "Gaara, Don't let it fire off one of those shots or we're both dead!"
Han/Gobi laughed and its eyes pulsed with power. It opened its mouth while its tails converged around its maw, a glowing sphere beginning to form. Naruto cursed as he soon reached the Tanuki monster's back, clutching to the surface of Gaara's moving, transformed body with as much chakra as he could spare.
The Ichibi tackled the Gobi, its chubby hands pushing the dolphin shaped head upwards, the massive beam of youki missing its intended target just narrowly. The Gobi's retaliation was quick to come as the creature's tails smashed into the Ichibi with impossible force; pushing the great creature back.
Naruto cursed audibly while leaping into the air as Gaara was catapulted backwards; his massive form crushing the abandoned buildings in its path. "Oi, Kyuubi…? Give me your power…I've gotta do something!"
The fox's approving chuckle gave Naruto little comfort as the insidious crimson burst from his skin, blanketing him in a burning hue. He remembered his battle with Gaara, how he involuntarily formed constructs of youki and controlled them at will. It was a long shot but maybe…
As he descended towards the unforgiving earth, the pain he suffered was horrible. He ignored it despite its intensity; weeks of being beaten to an inch of his life by Fukusaku had taught him pain tolerance.
He pulled his right fist back, concentrating hard, weathering through the Kyuubi's distracted laughter whereas his left hand opened and pointed towards the ground. He watched the miasma like substance grow rapidly before it morphed into two massive clawed hands. "Kyuubi! I need you to knock that motherfucker back!"
Naruto hissed out in pain, his skin burning and muscles screaming in protest as one the youki appendage raced forth. In his mind the image of a grinning fox scared him to the core as the evil energy obeyed the fox's command; growing so large it rivaled the Gobi's size before it smashed into it with impossible might.
He only had time to glance at the flying Ikurauma before his power fluctuating chaotically. He shut his eyes tightly as he ran his hand over his body, smearing his palm it with blood. He ran through the hand seals with great difficulty before he pointed his palm down and prayed for a miracle, "Kuchiyose no jutsu!"
Naruto landed on the back of something wet and slippery as everything around him was concealed by a thick cloud of smoke. He clutched his body tightly, shutting his eyes as he tried to force some of the Kyuubi's youki back. The Kyuubi relented surprisingly enough; probably aware that the strain on their joint body would be too much of it pushed too much.
An audible, quite upset voice rumbled beneath him, forcing the exhausted genin to open his eyes just barely. He was staring at something orange and red with huge warts. He realized he had probably summoned the boss, the mighty Gamabunta. He grinned a bit; was luck was finally on his side?
"Oi! Where the hell is Jiraiya, half-dead-boy? He better have a good excuse for summoning me so close to the village!" Apparently not.
Naruto stood up shakily and spoke in a labored tone, "Gamabunta-sama, my name is Uzumaki Naruto and I'm the one who summoned you."
"A half-dead shrimp like you? Ha! Stop joking around! JIRAIYA! Stop hiding you cowardly pervert! Wha…? Are those the Gobi no Irukauma and Ichibi no Shukaku? Whoa!" Gamabunta suddenly leaped into the air, dodging a ball of burning hot steam. Beneath where he was a building toppled over from the force behind the attack.
Naruto clutched the boss's back with chakra desperately as he shouted over the rushing air. "I'm sorry but it's true! I'm the new summoner and I called you here! We're under attack and Ero-Kyofou is busy! Please, I need your help or that thing'll destroy Konoha!"
"You want me to fight two Bijuu at once? You're either crazy or just plain stupid. Besides I don't feel like it and we haven't even shared a drink yet..."
Naruto felt like crying, he was so tired and everything hurt. "God damn it! Why do you toads have to be so freaking stubborn and moody!" he shouted and fell to his knees. He shielded his eyes with his arm when a huge wave of sand collided with a gust of steam; sand and heat nearly knocking him off the boss toad's back. "Kill me later if you have to! But help me save my home first!"
"Give me one good reason, kid!"
Naruto smirked faintly, a mischievous thought running through his head. "I thought the toad clan was the bravest of them all? That's why I followed my father's legacy and signed the contract. Hell, even the Snake clan's been helping around…so was what my godfather told me a lie?"
Gamabunta's angry and subsequent leap into the air nearly knocked himof his back. "WHAT?! I won't be upstaged by those overgrown wallets! Fine, I'll recognize you as my subordinate for now, until we've shared a drink. Now…hold on, pipsqueak. You're in for one heck of a ride!"
The toad boss made a single hand seal and unleashed multiple water bullets at the Irukauma. He then turned in mid air and prepared to fire at the Ichibi when Naruto shouted. "Wait! Gaara's on our side!"
"What?! Why didn't you say so earlier, you stupid gaki!" the toad boss complained as its back was left exposed to a quite furious Gobi that charged towards them. It launched itself into the air, preparing to ram its horns into the descending toad.
Gamabunta unsheathed his Kodachi and swiped it. The endeavor was hollow as one of the tails wrapped around the blade, holding it in place while the Irukauma smashed its head into the toad boss's abdomen. "Your attempts are futile! I am power made flesh and you're only delaying the inevitable!"
"You talk too much!" Naruto heard Gaara retort as he looked at the ensuing battle once Gamabunta landed on his legs. The toad was in pain, it was obvious from his labored breathes and quite angry curses.
The transformed Jinchuuriki exhaled a high velocity wind bullet. The jutsu hit home but was unfortunately absorbed by two of the Gobi's tails which curled together protectively at its side. Gobi glared at the Ichibi and opened its mouth and swallowed a massive amount of the rain water, sucking it in before pushing out a thin, swirling blast of water.
Gamabunta made a pained sound as he got up slowly. "One more blow like that and you'll be on your own, kid. That one packs quite the punch and he's way too quick to be caught by the 'Gamayu Endan'. But maybe if we…say, Gaki; can you use Fuuton ninjutsu?"
Naruto nodded and winced as Han's/Gobi's attack punched through the Shukaku, dissolving it and leaving the winded and weakened Gaara to plummet towards the earth. The toad boss seemed to understand his summoner's distress and shot out his pierced tongue, capturing the semi-conscious Jinchuuriki.
Naruto was oddly relieved that Gaara didn't die. As homicidal and dark that he was, he had saved Naruto's life (though they were even now) and was a fellow human sacrifice. The only difference between them was that Gaara got the shorter end of the stick and was turned into a weapon of war. Gaara was spent, so low on chakra his ultimate defense didn't even come to his aid as Naruto helped him up.
"You betcha', Gamabunta-sama, It's my primary element."
"Good, cause' I've got an idea on how to knock some sense into that thing. Now gather as much Fuuton chakra as you can into your body and release it when I tell you. I will tell you when so I can use it for my attack. Anyway, hold on tight, squirts, we're in for a bumpy ride!"
The Gobi roared, and stood in place. The creature tensed and spread its five tails the water around it beginning to gather and swirl violently. Whatever was coming would be absolutely disastrous if they didn't stop it in time. "Enough of these games! I'll lay waste to you and Konohagakure!
Gamabunta bent as low as he could and leaped into the air, running through hand seals of his own while inhaling deeply, sucking in rain water as well. Naruto made a tiger seal and roared as he focused hard with all his might, converting as much chakra as he could into the wind element. "Now's the time Kyuubi! Give me all I can take!"
His roar turned into a choked sound as his body literally felt like it was burning, compacting the youki and air around him a torturous endeavor. Gaara was shocked, somewhat fearful even, by the way he tensed and he held his breath. He helped steady Naruto, probably more out of instinct than necessity.
"NOW, Gaki!"
He let the wind go and watched Gamabunta unleashed a series of very narrow, spinning bullets of wind propelled water. The projectiles screeched in a deafening manner, cutting through the massive Tsunami Han/Gobi was erecting and smashing into its body repeatedly with bone-crushing force.
Gamabunta cursed as he descended, the Gobi's jutsu was disrupted, the wave's height and width were massive but not quite as monstrous as it could've been had the jutsu been completed. The problem was the explosion of wind ninjutsu had also sent it gushing towards the village in the form of a tidal wave.
The force of the water smashed into the toad boss just as he landed, catching him unprepared and knocking him back hard; forcefully sending him back to mount Myobokuzan due to the damage he had sustained.
Naruto and Gaara were knocked off the amphibian's back and into the freezing, wild waters. Naruto held onto to Gaara but the rushing water was too strong. The two containers barely held their heads above the water before they were knocked onto the roof of a tall building hard.
The Uzumaki's eyes were only partially open as he gazed into the distance, seeing the blurry shape of Han running upon the water, in human form. He was so tired and weak, his body freezing. Keeping his eyes opened was a chore he felt was just too much for him. "This is…the end…"
As his eyes shut he could've sworn he heard the sound of bells. He heard an inaudible masculine sigh and murmur, "Sleep, Naruto-kun." Then he everything went dark as finally lost consciousness.
(Back in the remnants of the Arena, Fight of the Kage level ninja)
The battle with Hanzou and Ishimaru had been deadlocked for quite a while. All five S-class ninja were exhausted and spent. The area around them had been torn apart. They had long since abandoned the walls of the arena, as stray ninjutsu had ripped those apart as well.
They now stood in the arena below, in a battle torn landscape. Jiraiya grinned smugly at Ishimaru as the five combatants as well as everyone else in Konoha saw and felt the shockwave of Gamabunta's decisive attack that 'vanquished' the Gobi.
Tsunade spoke in a victorious manner at the two invading leaders. "Looks like your little plan backfired. I bet that spectacle sent the fear of god through your troops; seeing their weapon of war defeated like that."
Orochimaru seemed contemplative but eventually grinned widely. He laughed softly at Ishimaru's shocked and murderous glare. "It seems your apprentice is surprisingly powerful and deadly, Jiraiya. Naruto-kun takes after his father Minato in that department. Isn't that right?"
Tsunade and Jiraiya tensed and shot their 'teammate' ugly glares which as usual amounted to a big sum of nothing in the serpentine man's book. But nothing could rival the expression on Ishimaru's face, his eyes so narrow and teeth gnashed so hard they threatened to break.
An Iwa jounin suddenly landed on a chunk of debris beside Ishimaru and whispered something into the Tsuchikage's ear. Ishimaru hissed something inaudible and nodded his head. Ishimaru covered his subordinate as he made a quick hand seal sequence and shot a bright sphere into the air.
Tsunade spoke haughtily as she recognized a retreat beacon when she saw one. Her grin was intolerable as a massive cheer exploded around Konoha, the defenders obviously now pushing the retreating foes back with vigor.
Hanzou, the most battered and weary looking of the five (considering he always had two sannin on his case) cursed and coughed some blood. "It seems sparing you on that day was a fatal mistake on my part. You bastards have grown strong over the years." He took several steps back as Konoha ANBU surrounded the area, flanking the legendary three.
"Awwww…why are you guys leaving so soon. Don't you like our hospitality?"
Ishimaru spoke venomously: "This isn't over, slug whore! You and your worthless village may have won this battle. But one of these days your luck will run out!"
"On the contrary, Tsuchikage-dono," Orochimaru cut into Ishimaru's rant with a wolfish grin. "It is your village who will soon be out of luck, along with all the other five. This is just the tip of the ice burg! Kiri and Kumo will not take lightly to thissss initiative on your part and soon the winds of war will blow anew across the continent."
Hanzou snorted, "Worst scenarios have not escalated to a world war, you miserable reptile, what makes you think this initiative will be any different"
Tsunade spoke in a most displeased manner; the very thought of backing anything said by the snake sannin a sour one. "He's right, Konoha will not forget, nor will we forgive this attack at our very doorstep and with a Jinchuuriki mobilized no less! You've cross the line this time, you've broken the pact of five and you're going to suffer the consequences for it!"
Ishimaru spat at his feet, "Watch your words carefully, scum. Less you find yourself way over your heads."
"Can you believe this guy? You broke a taboo and mobilized a bijuu in another country's territories to destroy and still lost and now you have the gall to talk shit at us? Take your hollow threats and get fuck off our lands. By the way, sleep with one eye open, Ishimaru, Hanzou, because you two idiots have just set things into motion and you know what's coming next. Kami help us all to deal with the mess you've just made for all of us!"
There were no more words to be said, the next actions and Hanzou shared a look and grim nod before they both used the 'Shunshin no Jutsu' to escape.
Tsunade immediately turned and aimed her fist at Orochimaru whom ducked barely only to be kicked back by Jiraiya. ANBU did not pursue the two kage and instead surrounded the entire arena, making escape impossible for the snake sannin who was now surrounded by about a dozen ANBU and two very smug looking sannin. It seemed Konoha was content on dealing with the architect behind the invasion.
The Godaime Kage spoke coolly and pointed at her former ally. "This is the end of the line for you, Orochimaru. You were careless to stick around for so long and now you're gonna pay for your arrogance!"
The snake sannin seemed unfazed for some strange reason as the circle of ANBU cautiously closed in on him. "You wound me, Fufu. I thought our friendship went way back. And you, Jiraiya, I thought you were an honorable man. I guess your 'integrity' will only go so far, no?"
Jiraiya shook his head and followed Tsunade's lead and slapped his hands together. They prepared to finish off their former brother once and for all. "Cut the crap, snake-face, your silver tongue will get you nowhere. It's time for you to pay for your crimes. So just give up and die like a man."
Orochimaru laughed and his hand moved at lightning speed, reaching into his robes and pulling out a detonator with three green buttons on it. He pushed one of the buttons before anyone could blink. A deafening explosion erupted in the distance, followed by the sound of collapsing stone. "Not so fast, my dear old 'friends'!"
Everyone looked towards the Hokage Mountain and gaped as Senju Hashirama's face was demolished. Worst than that, the escape tunnels within had most likely caved in. "That was just a warning blast; the other two are charges are rigged inside the shelters themselves. I had Kabuto-kun prepare this little contingency months ago in preparation for this moment! You idiotssss are as complacent as Sarutobi-sensei! You haven't changed the emergency protocol in the last three decades!"
"Orochimaru, you coward!" Jiraiya took a step back only to pause when the snake summoner's thumb hovered over another button.
"You didn't honestly think I was that stupid, did you? I don't step into battles with you two without an 'ace up my sleeve'; after all you two taught me better than that! Now…I also blew up the ventilation shafts so everyone trapped in there should suffocate soon enough. Perhaps your ANBU would be of more use to your village if they were sent to clear the debris instead of 'threatening' little old me."
Tsunade cursed at him and waved her hand, hating the fact he was right and that he had the upper hand. "Damn it, he's right. Go! We'll deal with Orochimaru, that's an order!" She glared at him as the ANBU all blurred off, obeying their Godaime.
"You son of a bitch, what the hell are you playing at?!"
Orochimaru bowed low, "I told you before, I never intended on winning here or destroying Konohagakure. You fools cannot comprehend the full magnitude of my true plan but you will get the gist of it soon enough. Ooooh I can't wait for the glorious bloodshed and chaos! At last, ninja will be ninja in the way they were meant to be!"
Tsunade's face contorted into a furious scowl, her eyebrows narrowed and teeth gnashed as she growled. "If you detonate those charges…"
Orochimaru shrugged his shoulders "I won't…if you let me leave in peace. My work here is done."
Jiraiya glared angrily at the monster that used to be like a brother to him. "I don't trust you not to blow them up anyway, you crazy bastard!"
"I suppose you're in a bind then, old friends. But if it helps you, I give you my word that I won't and I have never lied to you, Fufu, or you Jiraiya. No matter what happened in the past and is happening in the present, you cannot deny that."
He was right as much as they hated to admit it. He spoke in half truths, concealed his true intentions but had never outright lied to them or Sarutobi in his time. In fact, even if he didn't, they didn't have a choice – their hands were tied.
"Fine, get out of here. But this isn't over, Orochimaru; not by a long shot!"
I wouldn't have it any other way. He made a single hand seal and started melting into the ground. Tossing them the detonator once he was halfway submerged. "Try not to die old friends, only a sannin should kill sannin, after all. Until we meet again, Tsunade, Jiraiya."
Then he sank into the earth and vanished, his plan enacted and set into motion.
Jiraiya and Tsunade fell to their knees in exhaustion. Jiraiya shut his eyes, the bitter sweetness of the moment compounding on him, it was a glorious victory for Konoha but at the same time, they played right into the devil's trap and the clock was ticking before his price tag was revealed.
Technique glossary list:
"Raiton: Garairou" - Lighting Release: Hungry Lightning Wolves – A-class ninjutsu – Kakashi will create several lightning constructs shaped like wolves which are connect to his palms and direct them at his foes with lightning speed and the precision of the sharingan.
"Shunshin no Jutsu – Body Flicker Technique" - A basic ninjutsu technique. The ninja will appear and disappear in an instant, allowing them to retreat or attack suddenly. High level ninja will use the technique to supercharge their speed and power in taijutsu combat.
'Katon: Shounetsu Jigoku no Hebi' - Fire Release: Inferno Serpent –A-class ninjutsu – The user will breathe out a burning serpent of flame which will wrap around the enemy and incinerate him.
'Doton: Makejitamashii no Tsume - Earth Release: Claws of Indomitable Spirit' – A-class ninjutsu – the user will create massive claws of solid stone to claw, smash or otherwise squish his foe.
'Jigokubari' - Hell Needles - A ninjutsu technique used by Jiraiya. After extending his hair around his body with Hari Jizou, he will launch a torrent of hardened hair in the form of needles towards his target.
'Gamayudan' - Toad Oil Projectile – A ninjutsu technique used by the Sannin Jiraiya. After gathering oil in his mouth, Jiraiya can spit the oil at his opponent. The consistency of the oil can then hinder the movement of some materials, such as paper.
'Fuuton: Daitoppa' - Wind Release: Great Breakthrough - After bringing his hand to his mouth, the user will blow a large blast of wind capable of leveling almost anything in its way. A variation of the technique involves a smaller blast of wind which gets ignited with flame.
'Karyuu Endan' - Fire Dragon Projectile - The ninja does a string of hand seals and the proceeds to blow a large jet of fire from their mouth.
'Housenka no Jutsu' –Mythical Fire Phoenix Technique - The ninja does the necessary hand seals and then emits a series of small fire balls.
'Goukakyuu no Jutsu' - Great Fireball Technique - The ninja does the necessary hand seals, draws chakra from their mouth into their chest and them immediately exhales it. They then blow a stream of fire which erupts into a large sphere of flames. To better manage the flames the ninja will bring their hand to their mouth to control it.
'Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu' - Inner Decapitation Technique - The ninja will travel through the ground to appear below their target. They will then surprise their target by then pulling them into the ground. Once in the ground their target is thus immobilized.
'Are Musou' - Unrivaled Tempest – Borderline S-class ninjutsu – A triple elemental combination of Wind, Water and Lightning which creates a high velocity, electrically charged blast of water that will destroying almost everything in its path.
'Suiryuudan' - Water Dragon Projectile Technique - The ninja does a long string of hand seals which then causes a column of water in the form of a dragon to rise from the water and then strike their target.
Fuuinjutsu: Fuuka Houin - Fire Sealing Method - Fuuka Houin is a Fuuinjutsu technique that allows the ninja to seal away a nearby fire. Then by forming the needed handseals, a vapor will emanate from the scroll to encompass the fire and take it back to the scroll for sealing.
'Tsuchi Kairou' - Earth Corridor – The user will tap the ground hard, causing the earth to splinter and break before rising and forming a cave like construct around the target/s with only a narrow tunnel left within, this minimizing chances of escape and leaving them exposed with little hope of cover.
'Gamaguchi Shibari' - Toad Mouth Binding -a Ninjutsu technique that transforms the surrounding area into the esophagus of a toad summoned from Mount Myobokuzan. By forming the needed handseals and then touching the ground, Jiraiya transforms the surroundings into a soft malleable organ which he can manipulate at will. This ability to manipulate allows him to bind and hold the opponents he faces.