Declaimer: I own nothing in this fanfic, but my created characters they abilities and Jutsu and that is about all I own "Goes to corner and starts crying"
Writing: Italic: thought, Bold: Bijuu or summoning speaking.
"It's not a sense of justice. Protecting my friends, and finding my own path is how I live life. If you measured good and evil deeds by current laws, I would be responsible for many crimes. The same way you like to hone your skills and live your own lives, for me too it's simply prolonging something I enjoy doing. That's why I only fight those that pique my interest; it's not justice at all. And if it means being able to protect a friend or becoming stronger, I don't and will not play fair. I'm a dishonest, cheating human being who hates losing." - Unknown
"Why do I have to fight with such a strong guy? I envied the weak ones. The souls of everyone in our group of friends wasted away and disappeared just from being around us. From loneliness we divided our soul in two. We don't know which was the original, or maybe it was neither of us. It's just that there was no other way to escape from the loneliness. I envied the weak ones. If you're weak, then you can gather in as large a group as you want. I want to become weak and if that's not possible, then I at least want to make friends that are as strong as me." - starrk (bleach)
Naruto gritted his teeth as he stood up. Whatever that chakra was around Sasuke, it was given him a power boost, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was; exhaustion was setting in. Thanks to the fight against Makaze, Naruto's chakra took a big hit from using Kyubi's chakra. "What's wrong," Sasuke mocking tone spoke out above Naruto, "What happened to all your big talk or is that all it was; talk?" Naruto jumped to the left as a barrage of shuriken was fired at him. As his feet touched the ground, Naruto was forced to flee another attack of shuriken, but as this continued, Naruto grew more concerned.
"Why is he just attacking me with shuriken," Naruto thought as he ducked underneath a kunai, "Is he being cautious? No, that isn't it; he knows he has the advantage. So why attack me with something he knows that won't hit me." That was when Sasuke's right index finger twitched. Shimmering in the light was a thin string of ninja wire. Eyes wide, Naruto heard the buzzing of the incoming Fuma Shuriken. Throwing his left arm up, Naruto blocked the spinning blade, but couldn't stop the kunai as Sasuke appeared and plunged one into his side. Gritting his teeth, Naruto threw the shuriken at Sasuke; who gently sidestepped the spinning blade. Turning back, Sasuke saw Naruto's hands already in a handseal. "Futon: Daitoppa!" Sasuke couldn't dodge in time. Getting hit by the full force of Naruto's Jutsu, Sasuke was blasted through several trees, before stopping. "This is bad." Naruto managed to mutter, before falling on one knee.
"Naruto are you okay," Sakura shouted from the sidelines.
"I'm fine, but you two stay right where you are," Naruto shouted back, "I have to beat Sasuke now!" Just as he finished his words, Sasuke emerged from his landing point. A good sign Naruto was making progress was that Sasuke's Sharingan was no longer active, but he still had that purple chakra around his form. What didn't help the situation was Naruto's chakra supply was nearly gone.
"You got lucky with that attack," Sasuke sneered, "But that was all that was; luck. So, let me say this, it won't happen again." Naruto went to stand, but his vision began to spin out of control causing the Uzumaki to feel nauseas. Smiling at his apparent victory, Sasuke slowly made his way over to Naruto. "So this is the result of this power. I at least thought you would put up a better fight." Just as Sasuke finished his sentence, Naruto's shuriken flew through the air towards his head. Jerking his head back, Sasuke watched as the shuriken sunk deep into Naruto's chest, but instead of blood all Naruto did was smile. The clone suddenly exploded scattering earth everywhere. As Sasuke emerged from the smoke a bright light caught his eye. Looking up, Sasuke's eyes widened as Naruto stood above him.
"Hey there," Naruto said before appearing in front of Sasuke, "And goodbye." Naruto threw a single punch into Sasuke's gut sending the Uchiha into the ground. Naruto stood above the hole as he caught his shuriken. Examining the blades on his weapon, Naruto noticed a crack beginning to develop along the blades. Cursing himself, Naruto folded the weapon up, but the sound of crumbling earth drew his attention back to the hole. Watching with interest, Naruto saw Sasuke slowly emerge from his earthly bed.
"How," Sasuke questioned as the purple chakra faded at last, "When did you make a Futon Bunshin?"
"When I saved that Oto nin," Naruto answered back, "What emerged from the fire was nothing more then a clone. A clone infused with very special chakra; allowing it to take more punishment." Growling Sasuke went to take a move, but stopped when a wave of pain rocked his body. Watching Sasuke fall to his knees, Naruto approached the Uchiha. As Naruto approached Sasuke, the Uchiha could feel the power radiating off of Naruto. "Are you done?"
Tiredness began to creep into the Uchiha's eyes, but before he could respond; he collapsed. Just as this happened, Sakura rushed over and looked Sasuke over to make sure he was okay. "Why send a clone in," Sakura questioned after making sure Sasuke was fine," I mean wouldn't it have been easier if you just fought him yourself."
"I wanted to test something out."
"What?"
"I wanted to see if he would come at me with the intent to kill," Naruto responded solemnly, "Only then could I judge if I needed to go all out or not." Seeing the look on Naruto's face, Sakura got the feeling he was having a conflict with himself. "I guess I was right in my judgment." Sakura barely caught those words, but before she could ask Naruto what he meant he vanished; leaving behind a thin trail of light.
XXX
As Naruto returned to his team, he knew he was in trouble. His clones were gone. The moment Naruto's last foot fell to the ground, he felt the chill. Smiling, Naruto didn't bother fighting as his legs were incased in ice. Two lone forms slowly emerged out of the dark cave and judging from their stance, Naruto could tell they were not happy with him. "You drugged us," Suigetsu's accusing tone came as he stopped in front of his friend. Turning his eyes towards Haku, Naruto saw that her eyes had become as hard as ice.
"Why did you do that Naruto?"
Naruto didn't answer immediately; instead he looked off into the distance. The two waited for Naruto's answer patiently. "I wanted to see something," Naruto answered staring up at his team, "I wanted to see how far someone with anger would go to achieve his goal."
Worrying about what Naruto did, Suigetsu gave a quick look around to insure that they were alone. "What happened, Naruto," Haku asked, while Suigetsu kept a watch?
"I went to Sasuke's team, because he was anger at me for a strange reason," Naruto responded, "I went there to see if I could talk to him and see what was wrong, but that didn't work out. He fought the clone I substituted for myself and he attacked with the intent to kill. This wasn't like the intent to maim so I can get your scroll. No, this was pure killer intent."
Haku released Naruto from his prison, but all Naruto did was sat down on the ground where he stood. "Explain, why you went by yourself," Haku prodded, but Naruto remained silent, "Please, Naruto explain why you drugged us. Suigetsu said, it was because we were still weak from our fight, but that was a lie wasn't." All Naruto did was turn his head away from her; shielding his face from her stare. "Did you think that we would've held you back?"
"No," Naruto yelled out more forceful then necessary, "That wasn't the problem."
"Then what was the problem."
Naruto's once blue eyes, eyes that shone with such determination, had dimmed. "I was afraid of losing you guys," Naruto uttered quietly, "If you guys got hurt or even worse, because of me, then I don't know what I would do." The other two sat back not sure how to respond as Naruto continued. "Seeing what has become of Makaze and Sasuke I can't imagine losing someone close to me. I can't let that happen. If I do then I might lose control of Kyubi's chakra."
Suigetsu thoughts immediately turned to the fate of Kinkaku and Ginkaku. And what Naruto was saying was true. If he lost someone close, there was no telling how much destruction he could cause. "We won't allow that to happen," Suigetsu stated with reassurance, "Haku, me, and hell, even Hinata we won't let that happen to you. We will all make sure that you stay yourself. Now, stop worrying about us, numbskull!"
Despite everything, Naruto couldn't help, but chuckle. "You know I'm glad we meet you on that road," Naruto said with a wide grin, "I know I would have a boring time without you. I'm glad my brothers decided to let you stay." A twinge of guilt shot through Suigetsu's heart, but all he could do was smile. This wasn't missed by Haku, as she saw Suigetsu's right hand clench into a light fist. Yawning, Naruto stood up. "I'm going to bed and for what it's worth I trust you guys. I also promise not to drug you anymore." With that Naruto vanished back into the cave.
When Haku was sure Naruto was out of earshot, she turned to Suigetsu. "What's wrong," Haku questioned as Suigetsu stood up.
"Kinkaku and Ginkaku are dead and Naruto doesn't know it," Suigetsu stated with a dead voice, "Kinkaku put a false memory on Naruto's original, but in reality, Naruto's brothers are no more."
"Are you going to tell him?"
Almost instantly, Suigetsu had Haku by the arms. "No," Suigetsu was almost frantic as if he saw a demon, "He can never know. If he found out, I don't know what would happen, but I can tell you this; it won't be good for anyone." Footsteps were heard coming from the cave. Turning in fear, Suigetsu saw Naruto standing there in confusion.
"Are you guys coming to bed," Naruto questioned innocently, allowing Suigetsu to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Yes," Haku spoke up, "We are just deciding who is taking the first watch." Nodding his in acceptance of this answer, Naruto returned to the cave. Silently thanking Haku, Suigetsu decided to take the first shift. Turning, Suigetsu watched Haku vanish into the cave. Smiling a sly grin, he went to watching the forest.
XXX
As Sasuke slowly woke up, he found an odd sight greeting him. Both Sakura and Sai were standing together looking down at him. When he tried to move, Sasuke discovered he was unable to lift his arms. Looking down, Sasuke saw ninja wire wrapped around his body. "How are you feeling," Sakura asked dryly, earning her a glare from her captive teammate.
"What are you talking about?"
"You attacked and nearly killed someone," Sai stated, "Then you attacked Naruto. She is asking you are you back to your old self." Judging from the glare and confused look in Sasuke's eyes; he didn't have a clue what his team was remotely talking about.
Seeing this, Sakura gently eased the wire, allowing Sasuke to move slightly. "Can you remember anything after that one guy bit you," Sakura asked, only for Sasuke to shake his head.
"The only thing I remember is this surge of purple chakra and feeling a strange, but great power well up around me," Sasuke stated still wearing a confused look. Looking at Sai, Sakura released Sasuke; who took the liberty to shrug the wire off of him. Rubbing his wrists Sasuke went to stand, but clutched his sides as a blast of pain sent him back down. "I feel like I got hit by a falling tree!"
"That would be what Na-," Sakura couldn't finish as Sai pressed her mouth shut with his own hand.
"That is kind of what happened to you," Sai announced getting an annoyed look from Sasuke, "You see you were hit with some pretty strong Jutsu and as a result you were sent through a few trees." To prove his point, Sai gestured to the destroyed forest.
Not bothering to try and stand again, Sasuke relented to just lying on the ground. "I guess that makes sense," Sasuke finally said after a minute of thinking it over, "But what was Sakura about to say?"
Giving Sakura a warning in his eyes, Sai gently released the girl; allowing her to speak. "Well, that is exactly what I was about to say," Sakura said with a slight nervous tone in her voice. "I mean Naruto arrived just in time to help you out, but other then that nothing else occurred." At that moment images past in front of Sasuke's eyes, but as quickly as they appeared; they vanished. Shaking his head, Sasuke just stared up at the sky.
"Sakura," The hushed whisper startled the pink haired girl, but she relaxed as she turned and saw Sai staring at her, "I need to talk with you." The urgency in Sai's voice left no room for an argument. Standing up and following after him, neither of them noticed the small smile creep into Sasuke's features.
"Fools," Sasuke whispered into the darkness, before turning over and allowing the darkness to claim him.
XXX
The morning came too suddenly for Naruto, awakening only to find the cave deserted. A slight panicked feeling entered Naruto's, but then the smell of cooking meat filled his nostrils. As he exited the cavern, he found Suigetsu sleeping next to a fire, while Haku cooked. Noticing a new presence watching her, Haku turned and smiled at Naruto. "You both were tired so I decided to make us some breakfast," Haku said with a merry, almost singing voice.
"Something smells good," Suigetsu muttered as he reached forward; directly into the fire. Right before his fingers could get burnt, Haku grabbed him by the hand. This jotted the water nin awake. Haku and Suigetsu looked at one another, before uncomfortable letting go. With their backs to each other neither could see the blush the other had, but Naruto had a full view. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Haku muttered before returning to the food.
Groaning outloud, Naruto made his way towards the forest. "I'm going to scout the area real quick," Naruto stated loudly, "I'll be back in a minute." And before Haku could stop him; he was gone.
XXX
"Jeez," Naruto moaned cracking his neck, "That was a painful sight, but still it was quiet amusing." Chuckling to himself, Naruto kept walking; until he heard it. A light splashing sound had caught his ears. As he turned his eyes to the sound, he found himself staring at a breathtaking sight. Hinata was spinning as if she was on air and at the same time causing splashes in the water. Spinning around, Hinata cut the water with a string of chakra, but stopped when she saw Naruto. Blushing to a point it made her look like she was on fire, Hinata forgot the water below her. Letting out a light yelp of surprise, Hinata suddenly found herself in the river. Laughing at the sight, Naruto strolled over and held out his hand for the Hyuga to take. Thanking him, Hinata took his hand, but with a quick jerk; pulled the unsuspecting boy in with her.
"That is for making me fall in," Hinata said with a fake tone of anger.
"Oh, please you looked like you needed it," Naruto shot back as he got up," Now I'm going to have to get dry." Raising an eyebrow, Hinata stared at the boy; who just shrugged. "By the way what were you doing?"
"Well, I'm trying to perfect a jutsu I've been working on," Hinata stated proudly, but wasn't prepared for Naruto's response.
"Oh, too bad," Naruto muttered sadly, "I thought you were dancing, but either way that was quiet beautiful." This compliment caused an inferno to erupt on Hinata's face. Grinning lightly, Naruto slowly got out of the water, before turning to see Hinata still staring at him. "What's wrong?" Before Naruto knew it, Hinata fainted right in front of him. Catching her, Naruto quickly scanned the surrounding area for her teammates. "Hello, you need to wake up!" The only response was a small smile on Hinata's blushing face. Worried, Naruto lifted the girl out of the water, but when he turned he heard a low growl. But this wasn't a normal growl. It was primordial as if it came from a monster. Turning around, Naruto came face to face with a very anger looking Akamaru and Kiba, but the only sign Shino was mad was the amount of bugs coming from him. With a nervous smile, Naruto gently laid the unconscious girl on the ground.
"What did you do," Kiba asked baring his teeth at Naruto. "And we want the truth." The warning was very simple, lie and we tear you apart. Not wanting to fight the three, Naruto began to explain what happened. This didn't do much to ease the tensing. Just when Naruto thought he was going to have to run; a slight moan caught everyone's attention. Hinata slowly stirred, staring at the scene in front of her. "Hinata, are you alright!" Blinking her eyes in confusion, Hinata looked at Naruto. That was when she remembered what he said. The effect was immediate; Hinata blushed red hot and promptly fainted once more. Scratching his head, Naruto just smiled nervously at the other two.
"Sorry about that," Naruto said as he backed up slowly. "Look, I'm just going to leave, before I get attacked. So, I guess I'll see you guys at the finals. And when Hinata wakes up tell her I'm sorry, too." Shino, Kiba, and Akamaru watched as Naruto fled into the forest. Looking at each other, Kiba began to laugh as Shino just shook his head.
XXX
Kabuto watched as Naruto returned back to his campsite. Finding the boy wasn't so difficult, but hiding from him was a different problem all together. With his unique ability to sense negative emotions, Kabuto had to squash every emotion. It wasn't the worse thing Kabuto could be doing, but it wasn't the most entertaining. Looking up at the sky, Kabuto realized he should be heading to Team 7's hideout. Heading through the branches of trees, Kabuto slowly made his way towards Sasuke's location. "I can better protect Orochimaru's "body" if I stay close to him," Kabuto's mind thought, "I guess it's time I reveal myself." Smiling, Kabuto dashed off his foothold, making the leaves rattle and fall.
XXX
Makaze couldn't stop the anger boiling in his chest. The utter betrayal he felt from Banrai's words, stung more then any blade. It just didn't make sense. Why couldn't Banrai see things his way? All he wanted was to avenge the death of his father. And yet, no one wanted to help him. 'Hate is a disease.' Banrai's words still echoed in his head. Stopping to lean on a tree, Makaze stared off into the distance, anger still boiling in his veins. But as the boy stared, images of his fight with Naruto appeared in his eyes. It was a strange feeling watching himself fight, but at the same time, it didn't feel like him. The boy in front of him was a lot more viscous. Makaze couldn't image himself that way, but then Banrai's words came back, this time with more force. The more he thought about the fight, the more he began to doubt that it was him in control.
"I have to get a hold of myself," Makaze muttered with glazed eyes. "This is the correct path isn't. I need to avenge my father's death." Repeating this over and over; Makaze just couldn't convince himself. Deciding to return to his team, Makaze left the tree behind, but an aura of despair and confusion followed.
XXX
Taken a breath, Hinata woke up, only to find herself laying beside her two teammates. Gazing around, it took Hinata a few seconds to realize where they were. After a few seconds, Kiba turned to Hinata, smiling as he saw that she was awake. "Well, hello sleeping beauty," Kiba teased handing Hinata a bowl of fired meat. "Here you go the best food the forest of death as to offer." Taking the bowl in her hands, Hinata watched as Kiba turned back to his meal.
"What happened to Naruto?"
"Oh, he ran off, because he was afraid that we were going to attack him," Kiba chuckled at the memory. "But he did stop to say he would see you at the finals." The blush on Hinata's face said everything. Chuckling at his friend, Kiba took a small bite out of his food.
"We would've attacked, if he actually did hurt you," Shino finally spoke after finishing his food.
Sighing to herself, Hinata remembered what caused her to faint in the first place. The compliment wasn't bad; it just caught the Hyuga heir off guard. That brought about a whole other round of problems, but mostly just one; her father. The man was very protective over his daughters, especially since the Kumo incident. The feelings Hinata was having towards the blond boy might anger her father, something she didn't want to happen. "Maybe mom could help," Hinata thought as she took a nibble of her food. "I'll ask her after the Chunin Exams."
XXX
Orochimaru was almost in a wonderland of his own illusions as he thought of the upcoming invasion. "Oh Sarutobi-sensei," Orochimaru hissed as he looked at the Hokage's tower. "I wonder how your precious village will look when I reduce it to rubble." A twig snapped behind the snake, but he didn't bother turning his eyes towards the sound. "Is the bombs planted exactly where I told you, Mizuki?"
"Yes, my master," Mizuki said with a bow, "Now, what else do you wish of me?" If Mizuki could've seen the smile on Orochimaru's face, he would've run as far as he could. But before he got the chance, Mizuki was suddenly restrained by a coil of snakes wrapping around his body. "What are you doing?"
Orochimaru turned and seemed to glow from the fear radiating off of Mizuki. "Why you are going to serve me of course," Orochimaru's smile was one of predation and amusement. Watching in fear, Mizuki could only watch as Orochimaru pulled out a scroll. Laying the parchment on the ground, Orochimaru placed, what appeared to be, a red piece of cloth on the scroll. "Now, serve your master, faithfully." Mizuki's screams of pain and misery echoed across the forest.
Well, here is the next chapter hope you all enjoy. The next chapter will take place in the preliminaries just so you all know. Hope to hear from you all soon.