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.
"Life is a dream of madman.
Why are you scared of this madman?
It's only you." - Unknown
"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
Pushing himself off the ground, Naruto appeared behind Gaara. Going for a punch, Naruto found a wall of sand in front of his fist. Ignoring the sand, Naruto blasted through the obstruction, but found Gaara smiling on the other side. Feeling something tightening around his ankles, Naruto gazed down and found sand wrapping around his legs. Looking up, Gaara's leaned his head back as his sand stomach swelled. "Futon: Mugen Sajin Daitoppa (Wind Release: Infinite Sand Cloud Great Breakthrough)," Seeing what Gaara was doing, Naruto dug his feet into the ground and began to build up chakra. Feeling the sand infused wind smack into him, Naruto ignored it as he used his forearms as a shield. Gaara's eyes narrowed in delight at seeing Naruto struggling to stand his ground, but decided to infuse more chakra into his wind. Feeling the strength of the attack increase, Naruto released his built up chakra creating a shockwave. The ground began to tear away from itself as the shockwave traveled through it. Gaara was flung into the air, but soon found himself staring at Naruto's leg. Being kicked back to the ground, Gaara didn't stop even after collided with several trees. Landing back on the ground, the blond stared at the area Gaara had landed, waiting for the Jinchuriki to make his next move.
On the sidelines, Kankuro and Temari watched in horror and fascination at Naruto's strength. "He is taking on Gaara and winning," Temari thought, but still couldn't believe her eyes.
Hearing the tiniest sound of the ground cracking, Naruto gazed down just as a pillar of sand erupted; catching Naruto. As the pillar shot up, a tiny explosion echoed as Naruto escaped the sand. Catching a glimpse of Gaara on the ground, Naruto got ready for another attack, but it never came. "You told me that true strength comes from the people you care about," Gaara mocked with a demonic grin on his face. "So, is this you true strength?" Realizing what he was talking about, Naruto noticed the spikes slowly emerging from Gaara's sand encased arm. "It's pathetic! Love is nothing, but an excuse for you to be weak! My uncle tried to tell me the same thing and I believed him, but that was when he tried to kill me. But as you can see he failed and now I know the true path to power." The spikes hardened and Naruto could tell he was about ready to fire. "And I'll demonstrate it for you, by crushing you into dust!" Firing the spikes of sand, Naruto knew he could've dodged them, but decided against it. Instead as the spikes came within his range, Naruto smacked them all away in an instant. Flying through the air, the spike landed a few feet away from Naruto's clones, which stood in front of Gaara's brother and sister.
"You are wrong Gaara," growled Naruto." Just because you care about someone doesn't make you weak."
"Tell that to my uncle," roared the Jinchuriki. "He killed himself and attempted to kill me, all because his sister, my mom, died giving birth to me! I was never loved by anyone in my village, so I'll make sure everyone fears me." Slamming his hands on the ground, Naruto witnessed pillars of sand erupt around him. Swirling the sand around his prey, Gaara made sure there was no escape from the sand dome. As the sand enclosed around Naruto, Gaara saw one last thing before it closed completely; Naruto's eyes held sadness towards him. Squeezing his hand into a fist, Gaara watched as his giant sand dome exploded. Laughing at the apparent defeat of his foe, Gaara's form changed some more; until only his legs looked human. "I killed him! He as proved my exsiten-!" A fist collided with Gaara's face sending him flying back to the trees, but was stopped when something grabbed his tail. Looking down at the cause, Gaara's eyes widened when he saw Naruto holding him with one hand. Releasing a roar, Naruto pulled Gaara back, only to deliver another punch. Realizing he was in trouble, Gaara's sand arm stretched to the nearest tree. Grabbing hold, the arm pulled the sand boy to his, supposed, sanctuary. Trying to scan the area for Naruto, Gaara felt somebody place their hand on his shoulder.
"Sorry, but this isn't over, yet."
As Gaara was sent flying, Naruto threw his two fuma shuriken at him. Raising his sand to defend himself, Gaara blocked the blades, but heard a strange hissing sound. Looking at the blades with a confused glance, Gaara was consumed in a giant explosion. Naruto had sacrificed his own weapons to injury Gaara. Falling to the ground, Gaara's sand form was slowly unraveling, revealing the boy hiding beneath it. "How," thought Gaara, receiving another punch to his face by Naruto. "Why is he so strong?" Naruto, appearing beneath the falling Gaara, held his arm up, allowing to land on it, bending his back in an awkward appearance. Throwing Gaara to the ground, Naruto slowly advanced on him, but Gaara was trying to crawl away from Naruto. Instead of malice or hate, Kankuro and Temari found themselves staring at the eyes of a boy who was afraid. "Stay away!"
"If you are going to continue down this dark path, then I have no choice," spoke Naruto, eyes reflecting his sadness of his decision. "I'll have to kill you." To emphasize his point, Naruto's right arm glowed with chakra. But as Naruto approached the downed boy, a glittering dust entered their view. Noticing it a second too late, Naruto found himself encased in a gold sarcophagus, with only his head poking out. Turning his head wildly towards the treetops, Naruto found Sakin looking down at him. "Damn it, I didn't think he would recover that quickly." Turning back, Naruto found Gaara smiling at him. Holding out his hand, a spear made out of sand appeared.
"Now I shall prove that you don't need love to make you strong," shouted Gaara, as he charged. Trying to move, Naruto found that the gold had been compressed enough to allow zero movement. Closing his eyes, Naruto braced for the spear, but it never came. Feeling something wet drip on his face, Naruto looked up to see Sakin in front of him. It was anyone's guess who was more shocked; Sakin for saving Naruto or the other four for the tears running down his face. Despite the tears, he still maintained his calm visage. "What are you doing?" Gaara spoke in a tone laced with killer intent as he ripped the spear out of Sakin's stomach. Staggering, Sakin watched as Gaara attempted to move around him, slamming his hands together, Naruto watched as some of the gold encasing him expanded forward. Stopping, Gaara turned back to his father.
"Stop, Gaara."
It wasn't a command; it was a plea from a father. Naruto's ears perked up at hearing the new tone in Sakin's voice. Even Gaara seemed to be taken aback by the man's plea. Sakin looked towards Naruto, who found the gold dust loosening up. "Just stop, Gaara. Your mother wouldn't have wanted this for you."
"My mother hatred my very being," roared Gaara, who's face was contorted into a look of pure rage. "Yashamaru said-."
"He lied under my direct order," stated Sakin in a simply, matter-of-factly, tone. "Neither he nor your mother hatred you. The person Yashamaru hatred was me." Sakin's calm had taken a depressed tone as he stared at the ground. "He hatred me, because if I had waited and sealed Shukaku when you were born, instead while you were still in your mother's womb, the result would have been that, she would've lived."
Naruto watched as the sand seemed to have fizzled and fell to the ground unmoving. "Wh-what are you saying," questioned Gaara.
"I'm saying that you were loved Gaara," stated Sakin with a slight tremble in his voice. "But in the pressure of our diminishing military and our council, I had turned your only loved one and the memory of Karura against you, in order to test out your control over Shukaku's power, but instead I made it worse." Gaara at this point was grabbing his head as images of Yashamaru keeping him safe and out of trouble. How he had kept him company when he was sad and alone? Gaara face was contorted, not in rage, but in fear. Fear at remembering the long-buried past. Seeing he was getting through slightly, Sakin continued. "Remember how Yashamaru said, you mother named you because she hatred you and the village." Seeing his son look at him, Sakin smiled a sad smile at him. "She named you, Gaara, not because she hatred you, but because she loved you. She held with the last of her strength and said goodbye to her own child, and said how proud she was to be your mother." This proved too much as Gaara released a scream as sand whipped around him.
Naruto jumped in front of Sakin, but the Kazekage simply walked forward; towards his distraught son. "You'll be killed," shouted Naruto, but saw the Kage turn a smile on him.
"Then it is a death well-deserved."
Returning his gaze back to Gaara, he found the boy holding yet another spear of sand. "I'm going to kill you," roared Gaara. This caused a chuckle to come from the man.
"Then I guess justice will be served," answered Sakin. "Because you weren't the monster Gaara; I was." As Gaara dashed towards his father, Sakin saw images of Karura, still pregnant with Gaara and saw her smiling face. Closing his eyes, Sakin seemed to have accepted his fate, but just as the spear tipped touched his chest, it disintegrated. Opening his eyes a crack, Sakin saw Gaara with tears running down his eyes. But before he knew, Sakin was punched by the sand user. Holding his jaw, Sakin saw a mix of anger and sadness. Before Sakin could say anything, Kankuro and Temari made their way over. Confused, Naruto looked back at his clones and saw them lying on the ground.
"Used the confusion to get them," Naruto concluded as he stared at the sand siblings. Gaara seemed to have lost the ability to stand, because at that point he collapsed in a heap on the ground; tears falling down his face.
Sakin's hand reached up, but instead of comforting his son, it went for a radio in his ear. Pushing the device, Sakin spoke. "Baki are you there," Sakin's voice sounded dead, but it held a light tone. When Baki answered back, the Kazekage continued. "The invasion is over; any troops we have left tell them to attack any and all Oto shinobi." The response from Baki apparently didn't sit well with the Kazekage, because he soon was in a fit of rage. "I don't care about the recourse! I will deal with any punishment the leaf wishes to deal to me, but we will help them!" Turning his headset off, Sakin turned to Naruto. "Could you-."
"Sorry, but I'm coming with you," answered Naruto as he walked past the Kazekage. "Besides, he has lost the will to fight anymore." Naruto's thumb was pointing to Gaara, but before the Kazekage could say another word the Uzumaki vanished into the tree line.
"Kankuro, Temari," Sakin could feel his two children's hatred towards him, but continued on. "I want you two to keep Gaara as far away from the fighting as possible. I don't want him hurt anymore." Before he could hear their response the man had jumped back into the trees.
XXX
Hearing the approach of Sakin, Naruto slowed down and stared at the wounded Kazekage. "You know you did a very brave, but very stupid thing," stated Naruto. "You had you ribs cracked by me, impaled by your son, and now you are rushing with the Kyubi Jinchurki to help a village you tried to destroy. Why?" Sakin didn't answer right away, but seemed to contemplate the right answer.
"Your words rang true, Naruto," answered Sakin, after thinking about it. "I cared more for the village then I did my own children, especial Gaara. I was pathetic." Naruto didn't know how to feel towards the man; on one hand he wanted to punch him until he broke, but on the other he felt sorry for him. Seeing the wound slowing the Kage down, Naruto slowed down enough to place a hand on his shoulder. Confused, Sakin watched as Naruto focused Kyubi's chakra into his wound. Sakin watched as the hole healed, albeit slowly.
"We need all the help, we can get," specified Naruto as he finished healing the man. Nodding his head, Sakin and Naruto continued in silence as Konoha enter their view. Drawing nearer, they saw the Suna forces massing at the gate. Stopping in front of the force, Sakin saw Baki in the middle of the crowd.
"Sir, I have no idea what's gotten in too-," Baki stopped as he noticed Naruto next to him. "What are you doing here?"
Thinking the question over, Naruto shrugged, but jumped on top of the gate. "I'll see you inside, Kazekage." Naruto gave the leader one last smile, before jumping over. Baki looked ready to follow Naruto, but stopped when Sakin's arm blocked him.
"He is a friend," stated Sakin, but refused to meet Baki's eyes.
"What did he do to you?"
"He helped me tell the truth to my son," at this Sakin turned and faced Baki. What greeted the man, was a smiling man with tears in his eyes. "Now, let's go help Konoha." With that, the Suna force moved with its leader.
XXX
Slamming his Rasengan into the back an unsuspecting Oto nin, Naruto heard the sound of cracking bones, before giving the orb one final push. The man spun end over en until he came to rest, inside the wall of a large building. Seeing someone trying to sneak up on him, Naruto created his wind blade, before spinning around, bisecting the poor man. Seeing their comrades dying by this boy, caused fear to enshroud the troops, but Naruto smiled as he saw some taking steps back. "Run all you like," said Naruto as he glared at them. "You will only die tried." Swinging the blade, Naruto released a slicing current of wind, which began to cut through the men. As the survivors witness this, they ran as Naruto stopped. Thinking about going after them, Naruto forgot about them, as he turned his eyes to the purple barrier. Before he could take a step a shadow fell over him, but he smiled as the cause of the shadow was slammed back into the ground, by Jiraiya's Rasengan.
"I see you decided to join the party," Jiraiya gazed around, before turning back to Naruto. "The Suna forces have retreated, I wonder why?" Naruto turned one eye to his teacher and smiled.
"We need to get up there," Naruto pointed out. Jiraiya nodded at this, but dodged a kunai that was thrown at him. Turning to the source, he already found him impaled by various spikes made from gold. Narrowing his eyes, Jiraiya watched as Sakin jumped from the rooftop. But what shocked Jiraiya more was how Naruto was smiling towards the Kazekage. "Where are your men?"
Gesturing behind him, the two saw the Suna nins fighting against the Oto, with Konoha standing at the sidelines; confused by what was going on. "We are here to help," said Sakin as he looked at the barrier. "Orochimaru's plan was to have me fight with him against the Hokage. So he might still open it for me." Nodding his head to the Kage, Naruto saw a group of Oto's headed their way. As Sakin was beginning to leave, Jiraiya stepped in front of him.
"If you think I'm going to let a traitor-." Jiraiya never finished as Naruto grabbed the Sannin and threw him at the group. Laughing at the screaming frog hermit as he collided with the force, Naruto gave the Kazekage a salute before heading out. It took Sakin a second to reach the barrier, but stopped to pick up a leaf headband covered in blood. As he approached the barrier the sound four stared at him with amusement in their eyes.
"Well, if it isn't the Kazekage," the dark grey haired boy spoke. "So, what is happening on the battle field?" Noticing that the sound four hadn't seen that Suna had turned their back on them, Sakin smiled inwardly.
"It is going along well enough," said Sakin as he held up the blooded headband. "Gaara should be about ready to reach full transformation in no time." Grinning at the news, everyone heard the clash of metal and looked into the barrier. Orochimaru watched with amusement as Sarutobi defended himself against the onslaught of the previous Kages. Noticing the blood covered headband, Orochimaru grinned wider, thinking that Naruto was dead.
"So he can be useful after all," thought the snake. "Let him in. He can help clean up this fossil." Nodding their heads, the sound four opened the barrier slightly to allow the Kazekage entrance. As he stepped through, Sakin dropped the headband and approached the tired Sarutobi. Gold glittered around the Kazekage, as he looked ready to attack the Hokage. That was when he noticed it. Sarutobi watched as Sakin's eyes flashed from him to Orochimaru in a second and then smiled. Jumping up, Orochimaru barely avoided being crushed by a wave of gold dust. Glaring at the Kazekage, Orchimaru sent the two Kages at Sakin. Seeing this, Sakin concealed his body in a whirlwind of gold. Hashirama clapped his hands together causing roots to erupt around the golden cyclone. As the roots descended, the gold suddenly exploded as tentacles made form gold, wrapping themselves around the limbs. Making a fist, the gold sliced through the roots with ease. Seeing a water swimming past his vision, Sakin turned just as Tobirama fired a crashing wave of water. Forming a shield of gold, Sakin braced for the impact. As more roots began to spring out of the ground, Sakin's attention became diverted, but that was when a stream of fire scorched the roots into ash. Sarutobi landed behind Sakin, but didn't look at him as he asked his question
"Why are you helping me," asked the elderly Kage. "I thought you wanted to help your village."
"I do," Sakin explained as he removed his shield of gold. "But I don't want to do that if that means Gaara dies. At first I didn't care about what happened to him, because I viewed him like the rest of my village; a failed experiment, but Naruto showed me the truth." Listening fully, Sarutobi got ready to fight off Hashirama's branches. "I was the failure at seeing the sacred and lonely child I had created. Gaara wasn't the monster, I was." Sarutobi could tell the man was saddened by this, but kept it to himself. "And so, I will do my duty as a father, not as Kazekage. Gaara my not forgive me, but I until I die, I will make sure he stays safe." With that the two Kages charged at their own opponents.
XXX
Stabbing the wind blade through the Oto nin's chest, Naruto glanced up at the barrier. "I hope they are okay," said Naruto as Jiraiya's hair retracted after just throwing someone through a building.
"How can you trust him," asked Jiraiya as he shot a fireball at a nearby Oto.
"Well, you can see it in his eyes," stated the Uzumaki as he cut down another Oto ninja. "And besides, if he wanted to take down Konoha, why would he have his force help us." At that moment a tiny explosion caused everyone to glance up at the purple barrier. From Naruto could see, there were trees pushing against the barrier. Despite catching on fire, they continued to grow. This caused a worry to stir among the Konoha forces, because there was only two known users of Mokuton (Wood Release). "I guess they have problems." Taking a quick glance at Jiraiya, the two decided to take a detour.
XXX
Breathing deeply, Sarutobi glanced around at the gold dome that had encased him and Sakin. "I don't know how much more we got left," said Sakin as he kept the protective dome up. "They won't stop no matter what we hit them with." Knowing they were out of options, Sarutobi stood up and prepared himself for what was ahead. But at that moment, a giant tree erupted beneath him and Sarutobi. Cursing, Sakin spun the gold dome at the same time creating spikes. As the dome was thrown into the air, it chopped through the trees it came across. Ending his jutsu, Sakin used the gold to catch and slow down Sarutobi's decent.
"Can you keep them busy," asked Sarutobi with a much more tired note in his voice.
Noticing the new note, Sakin looked at the Hokage with worried gaze. "What are you thinking about doing," Sarutobi only smiled at the apprehension in the Kazekage's voice.
"I'm going to stop this madness," answered Sarutobi shortly. Nodding his head, Sakin gathered his gold around him and Sarutobi and prepared for the attack. Seeing this, the snake Sannin laughed.
"So you still refuse to give up," mocked Orochimaru. "Well, I always did like it when my prey struggles for life." Orochimaru was about to order the two resurrected Hokage too attack, but a two figures appeared on the outside. Turning towards the outlines, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes at the familiar shapes.
"Don't fear, Lord Orochimaru," shouted out a man with multiple arms. "No one can enter through this barrier!" The boy turned back to Jiraiya and Naruto, but Naruto had a puzzled look on his face.
"So this is the Shishienjin (Four Violet Flames Battle Encampment)," spoke Naruto with such ease, that it felt like he was talking about the weather. "My brothers told me about barrier ninjutsu, this is quite strong, but it still has its own weakness." Looking at the ground, Naruto smirked. Seeing this, the four got a little nervous as Naruto's yellow chakra shroud wrapped around him. "It can't stay together if there is no ground to latch on to." Raising his fist high into the air, Naruto prepared to punch, but noticed something about his shroud. It was glowing fainter. Growling slightly, Naruto threw the punch. A small shockwave accompanied the impact causing the building to sway. Cracks began to form around the barrier as Naruto smirked triumphantly. Jumping off the crumbling structure, the two watched as the building fell. Just as the barrier was destroyed, the four people keeping it together emerged out of the dust and smoke, charging towards Naruto. As Jiraiya looked at Naruto, the boy gave a sharp nod, indicating he would be fine. The Sannin left Naruto to help the Sakin and Sarutobi. Landing on the ground, Naruto stared at the four as they landed away from him. Narrowing his eyes, Naruto could see black marks already spreading across the bodies of each one of them.
"Now you gone and done it," the multi-armed boy sneered at Naruto, as he cracked his knuckles. "You could've just run off and we wouldn't have given two shits about you, but now we have to kill you." Snickering at the threat, Naruto looked at the biggest of the bunch.
"My, my, my, aren't you a big fat guy," Naruto spoke with an even voice, as he continued to smile. "Maybe if I gave you some food, you might leave and be able to see tomorrow." A tick-mark appeared on Jirōbō's head as Naruto continued. "I mean you don't look even a single bit like a challenge. You look like a big roly-poly with legs and dumbass looking face." Screaming out in anger, Jirōbō charged directly at Naruto, ignoring his teammates attempt to call him back. Throwing a punch, Jirōbō finally noticed the smile on Naruto's face, but it wasn't a kind smile. It was one of a predator who had just caught his prey. Catching the intended punch, the wall behind Naruto shattered from the force of the attack, but Naruto himself stayed unmoving. "My turn, my little friend." Squeezing his hand instantly, Naruto heard the sound of breaking bones. Listening to Jirōbō scream in pain, Naruto grabbed his wrist and pulled his arm between his knee and elbow.
"No, stop," screamed Jirōbō, but it was already too late. Dropping his elbow, Naruto shattered Jirōbō's elbow, before spinning around and elbowing him in the face. The giant flew back until he landed at the feet of his teammates. One look told them what had happened. Naruto had broken Jirōbō's neck.
"That is what happens when underestimate me," Naruto's had turned dark and unforgiving as if staying into the two frozen glaciers. "Now, who is next?" None of the sound four, now three, looked exactly thrilled to attack Naruto.
XXX
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he felt one of the sound four's chakra signatures die. "Jirōbō is dead, that is quite unfortunate," thought Orochimaru as he stared his opponents down. "But I still have my final card to play." Smirking inwardly, Orochimaru continued to watch as the fight between the previous Hokage and Sakin, Jiraiya, and Sarutobi continued.
XXX
"That was so fast," thought Tayuya still staring at Jirōbō's corpse. She may not have liked the big guy, but to see him defeated so quickly was scary. Looking up at Naruto, she saw a very terrifying aura surrounding the boy. It wasn't a natural feeling; it felt as if death itself stood in front of her.
"That was good kid," said Kidomaru trying to keep his voice leveled and show he wasn't afraid. "Who was your teacher?"
Naruto stared at the boy and smirked. "Well, since you guys don't want to live, I guess I can tell you." Naruto tilted his head back as he chuckled. "My teachers were none other then my brothers, Kinkaku and Ginkaku." A collective gasp sounded off as Tayuya took the smallest of steps back, but still pulled out a small flute. It took Kidomaru a second to compose himself, but after which he chuckled at the blonde's words.
"That's funny kid," stated the spider ninja. "But those two aren't too brotherly with complete strangers. So you being taught and thought of like a brother to them, is laughable." The only sign of Naruto's annoyance was the narrowing of his eyes. "I guess I'll just have to prove your claim wrong."
Grinning from ear to ear, Naruto got ready as the shroud surrounding him brightened slightly. "Then come here," stated Naruto with a savage tone in his voice. "I'll be sure to write your name on your tombstone!" Just as he said this, the shroud surrounding Naruto disintegrated. At that second, a huge wave of exhaustion washed over Naruto. Staggering slightly, Naruto glanced at his body and saw his eyes blur slightly.
Seeing this, Kidomaru sneered at the boy. "Now what was that about my tombstone?" Naruto glared at the boy as he realized the trouble he was in. "But I guess I'll be fair, you showed us your true power, allow me to do the same." With that Kidomaru's body began to morph. His hair grew longer and turned a light grayish color. Horns sprouted out of his head, taking his headband with them. Underneath his headband, Naruto saw an extra eye staring back at him. Kidomaru laughed slightly as his skin turned dark red. "Now the real game begins!"
Hope you guys enjoyed the story and everything. I got one question for you guys before I leave; do you want me to save Tayuya. Some people like to see her saved and others don't, so I would like to leave it up for a vote, just tell me in the review section and it will be decided later. Oh, and one last thing, Hinata and a couple others will be making a appearance in the next chapter. Anyway, until next time.