Hello everyone! So, the original chapter 7 was a bit short, so I mixed chapter 8 in, making it the longest chapter in the story. Future chapters will be numbered appropriately.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 7: Missions to Snow and Tea
A few days after the inauguration, Kakashi ordered Team 7 to watch a specific movie. Naruto had actually seen other movies that the lead actress, Yukie Fujikaze, played in, so he knew of her acting talent. They then had to meet Kakashi at a specific place, but Naruto obviously waited until a few minutes before Kakashi's late arrival, as usual. The other two still didn't learn.
As Naruto walked around the village, he saw Yukie Fujikaze riding a horse as she was being chased by black horsemen. He followed her through the rooftops to see what she was doing. A scene for a new movie, perhaps?
As it turns out, it was the actress running away from her film crew. When Kakashi finally showed up, he explained that their mission was to escort Yukie and the film crew to Yuki no Kuni. They were also hired to be stuntmen, meaning they would also be part of the film. Apparently, Yukie had no desire in going to that country. When he heard this, Naruto started tailing Yukie, to make she doesn't try to run away again.
"You are hopeless." Naruto said bluntly as he sat next to Yukie at the bar.
"Why are you following me?" She asked.
The actress was beautiful, despite her emotionless face. She had long black hair and light-colored eyes.
"Because my team's mission is to escort you to Yuki no Kuni. Letting you run away would make this pointless."
"So I'm nothing more than an objective to you?" Yukie asked.
"You ask that like you care." Naruto commented.
"I don't." She said, taking a swig of sake.
"I admit, I am surprised that you are so...dull, yet you have so much energy in your scenes." Naruto said.
"Being an actress is a job for the worst people." Yukie said. "You have to follow other people's script, act, and live in a world packed with lies. Truly stupid."
"We live in a world packed with secrets, both good and bad. What else is new?" Naruto said.
"I suppose that's a fair point."
Sandayu Asama, Yukie's personal assistant, and Sakura entered the bar.
"Yukie-sama, the ship to Yuki no Kuni will depart soon." Sandayu said.
"It's okay. I'm not boarding the ship." Yukie said.
"You will." Naruto said. "Even if I have to drag you."
"You think you can?" Yukie asked.
"You've yet to escape me." Naruto countered, making Yukie frown.
"I guess it can't be helped." Kakashi said behind Yukie, making her turn to him. The moment she did, Kakashi used his Sharingan to place her in a Genjutsu. Naruto caught her as she lost consciousness.
On the ship, they placed her on her bed and let her sleep.
"Naruto, if Yukie runs away during the mission, you will be the one to give chase." Kakashi said, knowing Naruto had done a good job of that so far.
"Got it."
During the cruise, the next day, Yukie rushed out of her room. Disbelief on her face as she realized they were headed to Yuki no Kuni. Nevertheless, she now had to play her movie character, Fuun-hime. She sure was able to change personalities fast. Although, she apparently needed eye drops to act like she was crying.
The day after, an iceberg was in the way of the ship. Therefore, the director decided to play the scene on the iceberg.
In the middle of the shooting, however, an explosion happened, interrupting the shooting, although they kept shooting.
Team 7 immediately appeared in front of Yukie, ignoring the director's cry of outrage.
A man with light blue hair wearing some sort of armor appeared. "Welcome to Yuki no Kuni." He said.
"Nadare Roga." Kakashi said.
A woman appeared on top of an ice spike. "Welcome back, Koyuki-hime." She said, mockingly. "Have you brought the hexagonal crystal?"
Kakashi looked at 'Yukie' in shock before feeling another presence.
Another man appeared from beneath the snow. "As expected from Kakashi Hatake."
"Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, be careful of their armor. It amplifies the wearer's chakra and strengthens their Jutsu, while absorbing Ninjutsu and Genjutsu." Kakashi explained.
"Fubuki, Mizore, get Koyuki. I have a score to settle with Kakashi." Nadare said.
Kakashi charged at Nadare and they started fighting atop the iceberg.
The Film Crew ran back to the ship, the camera still shooting.
Naruto charged at Mizore, who pulled out a snowboard and charged through the snow. Mizore jumped off his snowboard and tried to punch Naruto, who dodged before kicking the man in the face. Mizore got up and went to punch Naruto in the gut with his massive gauntlet, but Naruto was more than fast enough to jump and axe-kick Mizore on the head. As Mizore was on the ground, Naruto unsheathed Muramasa and pierced Mizore's heart, the armor being unable to block the demon blade. Mizore's soul went inside Naruto through the hand pressed against the corpse.
He looked at Sasuke's fight and saw Fubuki retreating by flying with her armor's makeshift wings.
Suddenly, a giant horned whale made of ice split the iceberg in two. Two more rose from the water and broke the iceberg. Good thing everyone was back on the boat by then.
"Cut!" The director said. "This will be a great movie, I can feel it!"
Nadare and Fubuki landed on the remains of the iceberg as the ship cruised away.
"That blond gaki killed Mizore." Fubuki said.
"It seems Kakashi is not the only one with skills in the squad." Nadare commented.
"Naruto." Kakashi called out.
"What's up?" Naruto asked before Kakashi showed him a necklace. "Isn't that..."
"Koyuki's necklace? That's right. This is what they are after, according to Sasuke's opponent. I replaced it with an exact copy. I'm entrusting the real deal to you." Kakashi said.
"Why me? You have me chase Koyuki if she runs away." Naruto asked.
"When have you ever failed me?" Kakashi asked back, handing the necklace to Naruto.
Later, Yuki no Kuni harbor
"I am sorry for deceiving you in such a way, but it was the only way to bring Koyuki-hime back in Yuki no Kuni." Sandayu explained to Team 7 and the director. "Doto, brother to the late Sousetsu-ousama, revolted and took over the Country. The people thought Koyuki-hime was gone for good. But I found her while she was on stage. I was overjoyed at her survival."
"It would have been better had I died that day." Koyuki said as she entered the room.
"Please don't say that." Sandayu pleaded. "To the people of Yuki, the fact that you're alive is our only hope!"
"The body may be alive, but my heart died a long time ago." Koyuki said. "My tears have dried up since the incident."
"I somehow managed to become Koyuki-hime's manager and waited for the opportunity to bring her back." Sandayu stood up and kneeled before Koyuki. "You must overthrow Doto and become our new Queen!"
"Out of the question." Koyuki said bluntly. "Don't joke with me. How will you ever defeat Doto?"
"Quite easily, given that we're here." Naruto said, getting everyone's attention. He then looked at the director with a smirk. "Besides, the movie must go on, right?"
"Naruto-dono..." Sandayu muttered.
The director laughed. "Indeed! The dream of an entire Country and the efforts to overthrow a tyrant king: the perfect theme for the final Fuun-hime Movie!"
"Wait a second, you can't be serious!" Koyuki exclaimed.
"We are." Kakashi said. "Now that Doto has discovered your presence, there is nowhere for you to hide. All you can do is fight."
"So it's decided! The film will continue!" The Director claimed.
Everyone then moved in the country with car-like snowmobiles, which surprised Naruto. Most vehicles were non-existent in this world, probably because shinobi travel faster.
The snowmobiles had to stop when two people needed to take a leak. Koyuki tried to run away at that moment, but was caught by Naruto.
"If you run away now, you'll be killed by Doto." Naruto said.
"I don't care if I die!" She said.
"Other people do, so put a lid on it." Naruto said as he dragged her back in one of the snowmobiles and kept an eye on her.
The snowmobiles drove through a cave and stopped beyond it to film another scene. As they prepared the equipment, however, train tracks appeared from beneath the ice, making Naruto's eyes widen.
"Everyone, clear the way!" He yelled, making everyone run away from the tracks.
No sooner than that happened, loud noises were heard before a train exited the cave before stopping by them.
"It's been a while, Koyuki." They heard a voice as a man stepped out of the train with a microphone.
Koyuki's eyes widened. "Doto Kazahana."
"It's been ten years, hasn't it?" Doto asked. "Let me see your face."
Before anything more happened, logs fell against the train from the cliff, getting everyone's attention. Armed soldiers, led by an armored Sandayu, stood at the top of the cliff.
"The people of Yuki no Kuni dare stand against me?" Doto asked.
"We shall do so, for Koyuki-hime!" Sandayu said, earning the soldiers' roar of agreement.
Further away, the film crew were filming. The director was salivating at what he knew would be a great movie.
"Then you shall experience hopelessness." Doto announced as the train's weaponry was aimed at the charging soldier.
It was a slaughter. The soldiers were shot by hundreds, if not thousands of kunai. None of them survived, although Sandayu held on for dear life.
Naruto charged and threw some shuriken at Doto, who blocked them. But that was enough to get his attention.
Kakashi's eyes widened as he tried to head towards Naruto, but Nadare stood in his way. Fubuki did the same with Sasuke. Sakura stayed close to Koyuki.
Doto discarded his robes, revealing black chakra armor that seemed more advanced than those of his subordinates, and jumped in front of Naruto.
Doto charged and tried to punch Naruto, only to punch the ground instead, breaking the icy surface.
"Impressive strength." Naruto said behind Doto. "Or is the gauntlet making this effect?"
"Both reasons, I assure you." Doto smirked as he made some handsigns. "Hyoton: Kokuryu Bofusetsu!" He called out as he punched the air, unleashing a black dragon made of snow, aiming straight for Naruto. The impact made a lot of smoke. Doto smirked and looked up. The dragon's motion and power should launch the target in air when it hit. But Naruto wasn't hit. He shot out of the smoke and punched Doto straight in the yin-yang emblem of his armor, which covered the core. It now had a sizable crack.
"You accursed..." Doto growled as he made more handsigns. "Hyoton: Soryu Bofusetsu!" He called out as a black dragon shot out of each fist. They circled around Naruto before merging and turning into a massive black tornado, catching everyone's attention. Doto started laughing.
"It's not over yet." Naruto's voice was heard. As the smoke from the tornado dissipated, he was revealed holding a Rasengan with four wind razor blades.
"That's...!" Kakashi realized. "Minato-sensei, your son gets closer to surpassing you every day." He thought proudly.
Naruto charged at Doto. The large man tried to punch Naruto, only for the fist to be ducked.
"Fuuton: Rasengan!" Naruto said as he slammed the Jutsu on the core, which was straining to absorb the chakra before breaking, sending Doto backward.
"What a terrifying Jutsu." Doto thought as he remained on the ground, unable to move.
Naruto approached and had Muramasa pointed at Doto's heart.
"Wait." Doto said. "I have a final request."
Naruto looked at Doto with a raised eyebrow, but stayed on guard.
"The treasure of Kazahana... I have looked for it for years and I finally found it. I wish for it to be activated, even if only once. I shall tell you the location of the treasure."
Naruto didn't see anything wrong with that. If it was a weapon, Koyuki probably wouldn't use it or it will be destroyed. "Very well." He said.
Doto told the location of the treasure before Naruto pierced his heart, getting his soul through the hand pressed against the armor. After this, he returned to the group, who had all finished their battles as well.
"I noticed you hesitated in killing Doto." Kakashi said.
"He told me the location of the Kazahana Treasure." Naruto explained. "I'm curious about what it is."
Naruto guided everyone to the location of the treasure.
"So, I have to put the hexagonal crystal in the slot?" Koyuki asked.
"That's right." Naruto said as he pulled the necklace out of his sleeve and handed it to Koyuki, who was shocked as she looked at the necklace around her neck. "Kakashi-sensei replaced it after the first battle." Koyuki looked indignant at that, but let it slide as she used the crystal to activate the treasure.
The air was getting warmer and the snow and ice started to melt, showing grass and water.
"A machine that creates spring..." Koyuki muttered.
Suddenly, a hologram of Koyuki as a child appeared over the machine.
"When spring comes, I'll become a kind and strong princess that believes in justice!" Child Koyuki said.
"I did say that before, didn't I?" Koyuki asked herself.
"You'll become one for sure, one day." The hologram of a man appeared and patted Child Koyuki on her head before putting the hexagonal crystal around her neck.
"Chichi-ue..." Koyuki said as she started crying, really crying.
"But I also wanna be an actress!" Child Koyuki said, making her father and the real Koyuki laugh.
Days later, Koyuki was inaugurated as Queen and Daimyo of the newly-named Haru no Kuni, which would become Yuki no Kuni during winter. The soldiers that died in battle, including Sandayu, were given a proper burial. Team 7 eventually had to return to Konoha.
After a few days back in Konoha, Team 7, except Kakashi, was getting a new B-rank mission.
"Team 7 will be protecting an important figure, in the allied country of Cha no Kuni, for an important event called the Todoroki Taisha Dedication Ceremony, an event that happens once every 4 years." Tsunade said. "While the important figure is unknown, we do know that he is our client's racer for the ceremony. The messengers were defeated by an opponent's spy. If you encounter this spy, and depending on whom he is, this mission may very well become an A-rank."
"You can count on us, Hokage-sama." Naruto, now representing the team due to his Chunin rank, said.
"I know I can, otherwise I would have given the mission to another team." Tsunade smirked. "You have your mission, depart right away. You are to meet Jirocho Wasabi in Cha no Kuni by the end of today. Hurry up!"
"Ma'am!" The team said before leaving.
After they had grabbed the necessities, the team left for Cha no kuni. When they got there, they stop by a Tea Shop to grab a bite to eat.
Just when they were relaxing, they were approached by a boy about their age or slightly older.
"To be drinking oshiruko so carelessly on a beautiful day like this..." He said, mockingly. "Being a ninja must be an easy occupation."
"A ninja can die any day, and therefore must make the most out of life." Naruto said.
"And just like that, you countered my words." The boy turned to Naruto with a smirk. "Idate Morino."
"Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto said.
Idate looked at Sakura with a smile as he leaned against the table. "So what's your name, beautiful?"
Sakura had a pink hue on her cheeks. "S-Sakura Haruno."
"Sakura, huh? Such a wonderful name." Idate said. "Our meeting must be fate. How about we talk about the future?"
Sakura was full-on blushing. "The future?"
"I'm talking about you quitting your job as a ninja and becoming my bride." Idate said.
"Sorry to disappoint you, pal, but she's aiming for the guy sitting next to her." Naruto said, talking about Sasuke.
"I see... What a shame." Idate sighed before smirking. "As if. I hate all ninja, male or female. Get out of Cha no Kuni or I won't let you go unharmed." He said before leaving.
As soon as he left, the waitress arrived with their food and gave them two receipts.
"Two receipts?" Sakura asked.
"That boy said you would pay it." The waitress said.
Naruto sighed. "Whatever. I got the money for it." He said, pulling the bills.
"That can't all be from the missions we've done." Sakura commented, seeing the wallet's content.
"From the missions and from showing Godaime-sama my devil's luck after seeing her rotten luck." Naruto explained
After the meal, the team headed for the Wasabi home, meeting Jirocho.
"Thank you, all three of you, for coming here. Do you three know of the Todoroki Taisha Dedication Ceremony?" Jirocho asked.
Naruto looked at Sakura, who shook her head, then at Sasuke, who did the same. Naruto looked at the Wasabi Family Head. "None of us do." Naruto said.
"It all started with a legend from long ago, which says that when we dedicate the Treasure Orbs of Ryuko to the Todoroki Taisha, the storm will settle. Since then, it has become a customary event that happens once every 4 years. Initially, it was an event to dedicate the Treasure Orbs, but over time, it became a festival race, where person who comes in first will dedicate them. Recently, however, it has taken another form." Jirocho explained.
"A form of power?" Naruto asked.
"In a sense." Jirocho nodded. "In this port village, there are two clans: the Wasabi Family and the Wagarashi Family. As embarrassing as it is to admit, there are constant disputes and fights over the city boundaries. As things got out of control, civilians started getting caught in middle of the conflict. So, one of the Daimyo made a bargain: the leader of the village will be decided through an important event instead of fighting."
"Todoroki Taisha Dedication Ceremony." Naruto said.
"Precisely." Jirocho nodded. "The Wagarashi Family had hired a ninja's help four years ago and have done the same this time. Our messengers were ambushed by that very ninja." Jirocho bowed to the team. "Please. Lend us your strength. We cannot afford to lose this race against the Wagarashi Family."
"What kind of allies would we be if we ignored you?" Naruto said.
"Who are we guarding?" Sasuke asked.
"Thank you." Jirocho said before clapping his hands twice, signaling for someone to enter.
The door opened, revealing Idate Morino. "Did you call for me, Boss?" He asked, bowing.
"How's it going, Idate?" Naruto asked with a smirk, making Idate look up in shock.
"Oh, so you know each other. Then that makes things easier."
"It really depends on Idate, who apparently hates ninja." Naruto said.
Naruto started walking around the village with Idate.
"Boss Jirocho didn't have to beg to a ninja." Idate said.
"An eye for an eye, Idate. He asked the help of Konoha to protect you from the other ninja. That's all you should care about." Naruto said. "It's not like we'll meet again after this is over."
"I guess you're right about that." Idate admitted.
That night, the race was about to begin. The moment the sun rose, Idate and the Wagarashi racer, Fukusuke, started running. Fukusuke, towards the boat, Idate ran north. Team 7 followed him, wondering what he was doing.
They quickly reached a beach that had a boat.
"There's a seasonal wind around this time of year." Idate explained. "I noticed it when looking at the clouds back at the starting line."
"You're saying this way is faster than the intended way because of the seasonal wind." Naruto figured out.
"Exactly." Idate said before going to a cabin and talking to an old man, who was the boat owner.
After that, Idate and Team 7 sailed off.
"Naruto..." Sakura called over. "What do you think about Idate?"
"Depends on what you mean." Naruto said.
"That speed of his isn't natural. I wonder if he was a ninja of a hidden village." Sakura said.
"You mean you didn't notice?" Naruto asked.
"Notice what?" Sakura asked.
"His last name. He's Ibiki Morino's little brother." Naruto's words shocked Idate.
"My brother's alive!?" Idate asked.
"Why wouldn't he be?" Naruto asked.
Idate didn't answer, but remained deep in thought during the entire ride.
When they ported on the north of Nagi Island, a green-haired man stood in the way.
"It's been a while, Idate." The man said.
Idate's eyes widened. "Aoi Rokusho..."
Aoi looked at Team 7 before looking back at Idate. "I thought I taught you not to trust others." He said as he approached the group.
Naruto stood between Idate and Aoi, brandishing Muramasa.
Aoi grinned. "Oh... A Kenjutsu user." He said, pulling out a vajra-like hilt.
Idate recognized the hilt. "That's...!"
Aoi chuckled. "The Nidaime Hokage's Raijin no Ken, which you stole for me. I still remember that day like it was yesterday: how you failed the Chunin Exams and I made you believe that if you brought me this sword, you would become a Chunin" He said before laughing.
Naruto quickly recognized the similarities in the story and his own. "Idate..." Naruto said, catching everyone's attention. "I have so much chakra in my body that, back during the Academy days, I couldn't make a normal Bunshin to save my life. I failed the Graduation Exam and one of my sensei, Mizuki, told me a secret: If I steal the Forbidden Scroll and learn a Jutsu from it, I will become a Genin." Sasuke and Sakura's eyes widened, never having known that. Idate was shocked that someone had been in a similar situation to his own. "I learned the Kage Bunshin inside that scroll and then, when Mizuki tried to attack me for the scroll, I beat him up with the Kage Bunshin and brought him to the Hokage. I became a Genin after showing my ability with the Kage Bunshin."
"Well, how about that..." Aoi said. "Unlike you, Idate, this kid didn't run away and actually progressed in rank. It's so pathetic of you, you should just die." He activated the Raijin no Ken. It had a bright yellow blade that pulsed with lightning chakra, deserving of its name.
"I won't let you get in the way." Naruto said as he charged Aoi with Muramasa. The blades clashed.
"Why aren't you getting shocked? The Raijin no Ken shocks any target it gets in contact with!" Aoi demanded.
"Against any normal targets, probably, but what about a wind user?" Naruto asked with a smirk.
Aoi's eyes widened as he looked at Muramasa's blade. He saw the wind chakra coating the blade. He was then kneed in the gut before Naruto completely slice him, thanks to the wind chakra on the blade. Naruto picked up the hilt of the Raijin no Ken, wondering if he would get a bonus for bringing it back.
He turned back to the group. "Shall we go on?" Naruto asked.
Idate ran ahead while Team 7 burned Aoi's body. They quickly caught up to him.
They no longer suffered any attacks, Idate made it to Modoroki Shirne while Team 7 looked from afar. Apparently, Fukusuke took a break, thinking he would win because of Aoi. Imagine his surprise when he saw Idate taking the second Treasure Orb of Ryuko and running ahead.
Without any interruptions, Idate easily outran Fukusuke and won the race, to the people's joy. The Cha no Kuni Daimyo also disbanded the Wagarashi Family for the suffering they had caused to the people.
The next day, Team 7 left for Konoha and reported the mission to Tsunade. They received an A-rank reward, due to the presence of a Jonin as the enemy raising the mission rank. Naruto also received a major bonus for returning the Raijin no Ken. Tsunade, being the Nidaime's grand niece, as well as Koharu and Homura, being the Nidaime's students alongside the Sandaime, were especially grateful.
A few days later, Naruto was walking around the village with the Konohamaru Corps. In front of them was Sasuke, who was staring at Naruto intently, and Sakura, who had been following Sasuke with a worried look.
"You want something from me." Naruto stated. He could tell from Sasuke's gaze.
"Fight me." Sasuke said, shocking the rest of the group.
"You want to fight me? Not out here, I hope." Naruto said.
"Training Ground 7." Sasuke said. Naruto nodded and they all headed there.
"So, what spurred this on?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke stayed silent as he activated his Sharingan and got in his fighting stance.
Naruto sighed as he braced himself.
Sasuke charged and attacked, only for each fist and kick to be block or dodged.
"Quit being on the defensive and fight!" Sasuke demanded.
He almost immediately regretted saying that as Naruto's speed and strength were superior to his own. He dodged a fist, only to be kicked in the shin, punched in the gut and then in the face, sending him to the ground.
Sasuke roared in rage as he got up and his fist crackled with lightning.
Sakura's eyes widened in horror while the trio of children were wondering what the Jutsu was.
"You would use an A-rank Assassination Jutsu against your own teammate?" Naruto asked. Now the Konohamaru Corps was also horrified.
"Naruto!" Sasuke cried out as he charged.
However, Kakashi appeared and caught Sasuke's wrist.
"What are you doing, Sasuke?" Kakashi asked. "Were you planning to kill Naruto?"
Sasuke merely stared at Kakashi.
"Chidori isn't a Jutsu to use against a comrade." Kakashi lectured.
Sasuke simply walked away.
"Sasuke-kun..." Sakura muttered, worried that the Cursed Mark was probably doing something to him.
Kakashi sighed. "Well, I better catch up to him and keep him still so he'll listen." Kakashi turned to Sakura and eye-smiled. "Don't worry, once he and I have talked, everything will be back to normal."
Sakura smiled and trusted her sensei's word.
"Naruto." Kakashi said, getting the blond's attention. "I never got to say this before, but Yondaime-sensei would be proud that you mastered and completed his Jutsu." He then walked away.
"He what!?" Sakura and the Konohamaru Corps thought. Sakura put that information at the back of her mind for now. She had more pressing matters at the moment.
"Naruto... We need to talk... in private." Sakura said.
The Konohamaru Corps pouted but complied.
"Sasuke-kun told me to say nothing about that to you, but... After we got separated in the Forest of Death, Orochimaru gave Sasuke a weird mark on his neck. He went berserk when it first activated. Kakashi said it would no longer be a problem, but it activated again when he fought Gaara just before you. That face he had when the two of you fought just now...it was the same as when he went berserk." She said, distraught.
Naruto sighed. "That slippery snake sure gets in the way a lot." He said.
Sakura looked confused. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"Apparently, before he died, the Sandaime did something that turned Orochimaru's arms to stone. He was there when we went looking for Tsunade. He was seeking her out to heal his ailment."
"Orochimaru said Sasuke would seek him out for power." Sakura said.
"Then all we can do is trust Kakashi-sensei's earlier words. Sasuke certainly won't listen to me until then." Naruto said.
The next morning, Naruto was woken up by someone knocking on his door. It was Shikamaru, wearing his Flak jacket.
"What's up?" Naruto asked.
"Sasuke left the village." Shikamaru said grimly.
Naruto sighed. "I guess Kakashi-sensei was wrong about things going back to normal.
Naruto and Shikamaru then gathered Choji, along with Kiba and Akamaru. They also met up with Neji and Lee, almost completely recovered. Shikamaru explained the situation to Neji, who agreed to join the mission.
When they arrived at the Gate, Shikamaru told the team his plan.
"It's very possible that Sasuke left the village guided by subordinates of Ororchimaru. We must therefore prepare for an ambush. I have a formation that will allow us to immediately react to an enemy attack. It's a single line formation. Kiba and Akamaru will be at the front, your sense of smell can track Sasuke and detect booby traps carrying the enemy's scent. Behind Kiba will be me, as I can advise Kiba and use hand signals to command those behind me. The one in the center will be Naruto, his quick reactions and Kage Bunshin will allow him to reinforce everyone, both front and back. Next will be Choji, you may not have a lot of speed, but you sure pack a punch. With Kiba, myself and Naruto before you, you can then finish off the enemy after a surprise attack. At the back will be Neji, whose Byakugan will make sure the formation as no blind spot."
"Naruto!" Sakura's voice called out, getting the group's attention. She was crying. "Bring Sasuke-kun back. I couldn't convince him to stay. I couldn't stop him from leaving. Only you will be able to do that."
"I'll see what I can do, but I'm certain that things won't be back to normal after this." Naruto said.
Sakura knew that too. She wanted to deny it, but knew it was true.
Naruto turned to the rest of the team. "Let's go." They all nodded and went on their way.
After the team evaded many traps, Neji had Orochimaru's subordinates in his Byakugan's view. They appeared to be resting. Shikamaru created an ambush plan and the team split up to circle them. Unfortunately, Shikamaru and Neji were found out.
"What's this?" The dark grey-haired one said. "I throw my kunai and found two bugs instead of a snake."
"Hold on!" Shikamaru said. "We're here to negotiate, not fight."
The six-armed one smirked. "Then what are these!?" He said, pulling some spider webs attached to his fingers, bringing Naruto, Kiba and Choji into the open.
Naruto unsheathed Muramasa and cut the spider wire tied to his ankle before landing on his feet.
Kiba pulled out a smoke bomb and threw it at the Oto-nin.
"What's the point of the smoke bomb?" The six-armed one asked. "My spider strings are thinner, yet much stronger than normal wires, so you can barely see them."
"I didn't think you had someone with such techniques." Shikamaru admitted.
"Doesn't matter. You're all done fo-" The six-armed one stopped himself as he went stiff. "W-Why can't I move my body?"
The entire Oto team had been in Shikamaru's Kagemane no Jutsu.
"But I have this technique." Shikamaru smirked. "Thank you for unknowingly following my plan."
"I didn't think you had someone with such techniques." The dark grey-haired one said, mockingly. "But I have this technique."
Suddenly, shuriken were thrown at Shikamaru from behind. He turned around to block them, but lost his focus on the Kagemane no Jutsu, freeing the team.
"Doton Kekkai: Doro Domu!" The largest member called out as he slammed his hands on the ground. Rocks formed around the Konoha team and imprisoned them in a dome.
"You guys go on ahead." The largest member said. "I'll hold them off as long as they have chakra."
"Just be done quickly, Jirobo." The dark-grey-haired one said as they left.
"From observation alone, it's a wall made of soil." Neji said.
"I don't know what this Jutsu is, but we just have to break the wall, right?" Kiba said as he performed Tsuga, a one-person version of Gatsuga, on the wall. He made a sizable dent on the wall, but it repaired itself after a second.
"So it isn't just a wall." Neji said as he activated his Byakugan before his eyes widened. "The walls are sucking our chakra out!"
"Then we just have to break through the walls before everything is sucked out! Akamaru!" Kiba called out as he gave his ninken a food pill. Akamaru's fur turned red after he ate the pills and transformed into Kiba. Both of them started using Gatsuga with reckless abandon until they were exhausted.
Whatever damage they made repaired itself. Although Naruto and Shikamaru noticed some parts of the dome did so at a slower pace than others.
Shikamaru stayed silent for a moment. "Oi! Anyone out there?" He called out.
"What is it? Wanna beg for you life?" Jirobo asked.
"We won't pursue Sasuke anymore. So let us out!" Shikamaru said.
"Too bad." Jirobo said. "You guys are my meal. Why would I let you out when I have a buffet to restore my chakra?"
"Then let one of us out. Me, for example." Shikamaru said, shocking Kiba. Naruto and Neji remained stoic while Choji started eating Potato chips.
"What the hell are you saying!?" Kiba growled.
"Fighting amongst yourselves?" Jirobo laughed. "For the leader of the team to beg for his life... you revealed your true nature to try and escape danger. Fools like you don't deserve the responsibility of a squad. What a fine piece of trash you are."
Choji stopped eating for a moment as his eyes narrowed before he continued eating. Naruto moved to another spot and pointed behind himself, right where Jirobo's voice came from. Shikamaru nodded.
"You would abandon Sasuke and sell out your comrades?" Jirobo asked. "Is that the standards for Konoha's Chunin? You don't deserve to be freed."
Shikamaru smirked and turned to Kiba. "Kiba, could you make a hole over there?" He said, pointing at the wall that was completely opposite of Naruto.
"I don't know what you want, but how can I say no to going wild?" Kiba said before focusing his chakra and using Tsuga once more to make a single dent on the wall.
"I need a marker." Shikamaru said.
Naruto immediately threw a kunai that embedded itself in the middle of the dent that was slowly repairing itself.
"Choji." Shikamaru said.
Choji made a handsign. "Baika no Jutsu!" He said as he inflated like a balloon. His limbs retreated within his body and he started rolling towards the dent. "Nikudan Sensha!"
Jirobo tried to use more Chakra to solidify the dome, but Choji managed to break through the wall and everyone ran outside as the dome crumbled.
"You're the best, Choji." Shikamaru said as his best friend gave the team soldier pills to recover their chakra.
"You guys were able to escape my barrier." Jirobo stated.
"Looks like the others went on ahead." Shikamaru said as he saw only Jirobo in the vicinity.
"They aren't anywhere nearby." Neji said with his Byakugan active.
Jirobo mockingly applauded them. "You guys did well...for trash."
"Who are you calling trash!?" Kiba growled as he charged, only for Naruto to stop him.
"He's not our priority." The blond said.
"He's right." Neji said. "We have to catch up to the others before Sasuke crosses the border."
"I'll hold him off." Choji said as he stepped forward and gave Shikamaru the bag of soldier pills. He wouldn't allow this guy to insult Shikamaru anymore. "You guys go after Sasuke."
"Choji..." Shikamaru trailed off, knowing exactly the secret weapon his best friend had.
"I'm not letting you get away!" Jirobo said as he charged forward. Choji pulled out a small plastic case containing three colored pills and ate the green one before stopping Jirobo's charge. "What!?"
"You better catch up, Choji." Shikamaru said as he and the rest of the team went on ahead.
On the way, Shikamaru explained the three pills Choji kept. They were a special recipe of the Akimichi clan. Each pill gives their user an incredible burst of power, but damages the body due to the pills forcing the power-up. It does so much damage that it's very likely to die if you eat the third pill.
They eventually caught up to the Oto team, who hadn't placed any trap as they thought Jirobo would be the one catching up.
Shikamaru transformed into Jirobo to try and get the barrel, but got discovered as, unlike the real Jirobo, he didn't say anything about Tayuya's swearing.
The six-armed ninja told Sakon and Tayuya to go on ahead while he handled the group. He then spit spider web at Shikamaru, restraining him.
Naruto then tried to attack from above. The Oto-nin made a ball of spider web.
"Ninpo: Kumo Soukai!" He said as the ball turned into a large spider web.
Naruto pulled out Muramasa and cut through the web, to the Spider Ninja's shock. As Naruto was coming from above, Kiba and Akamaru used the Gatsuga from below. However, the Spider Ninja made some spider wire and pulled himself away. He then dodged Neji, who tried to attack from behind, and caught him in more webs. But thanks to his Byakugan and the Juken style, he was able to escape the webbing.
"Everyone, catch up with the others. I'll deal with this one." Neji said.
"I can fight him too." Naruto said as he freed Shikamaru, Kiba and Akamaru from the webbing.
"True, your katana can cut through his webbing, but you are the one with the best chances of getting Sasuke back. Sasuke is trapped in darkness, like I was before you defeated me. Go." Neji said.
The team complied and left Neji behind.
By sunrise, the next day, they had caught up to the other Oto-nin.
Shikamaru and Kiba charged at Sakon.
"Taren Ken!" Sakon said as he punched them both multiple times in rapid successions.
After he got them out of the way, Sakon went for Naruto, who smirked.
Kiba appeared behind Naruto and pierced through him with a Tsuga. Naruto dispelled, being a Kage Bunshin, allowing the Tsuga to try and hit Sakon, who ducked at the last second.
Meanwhile, Shikamaru trapped Tayuya in the Kagemane no Jutsu, allowing Kiba, as he approached with the Tsuga, to grab the barrel that Sasuke must be in, as he was nowhere to be seen, and threw it at Naruto, who started fleeing with it.
"We got Sasuke, let's get out of here!" Kiba said as he and Shikamaru went to catch up to Naruto.
However, Sakon, who now had marks across his skin, quickly caught up to them. But he had walked into the explosive tags Akamaru had set up during the surprise attack. But Sakon trapped Akamaru with ninja wire right next to an explosive tag.
"Akamaru!" Kiba called out as he rushed to save his partner.
When the tag exploded, all three of them fell down into a crevice.
Tayuya approached the rest of the Konoha team.
"Naruto, go on ahead. I will deal with her." Shikamaru said.
However, Tayuya stopped before she could reach the team, to their confusion.
A tall figure with bone-white hair landed on the barrel behind the duo of Chunin and took it away.
"Kimimaro..." Tayuya said with fear.
"You've taken too much time." Kimimaro said. "Where are the others? We were the Sound Five."
"Why are you here?" Tayuya asked. "Your body..."
"My body is broken. I am moving by willpower." Kimimaro said. "But still, I must bring the new container to Orochimaru-sama." He said as he left with the barrel.
"Naruto, chase him." Shikamaru said.
Naruto didn't hesitate a second. Shikamaru will be all right.
Naruto caught up to Kimimaro on an open area.
"You understand I can't let you go just like that." Naruto said.
"Then how should I kill you?" Kimimaro asked more to himself than to Naruto as something came out of Kimimaro's left sleeve.
"Is that a bone?" Naruto couldn't help but ask.
"It is." Kimimaro confirmed. "I have the Kaguya Clan's Kekkei Genkai: Shikotsumyaku. By infusing the calcium in my body with my chakra, I can manipulate the bones in my body as I see fit. As such, my body as a seemingly limitless amount of bones, compared to everyone else. My whole body is a weapon, even more so than any other ninja."
That got Naruto's interest. Truly a terrifying ability. If he could kill this guy, his Kekkei Genkai would be a boon later on.
Naruto unsheathed Muramasa. "Shall we get started then?" He asked.
"If you are so eager to die, then so be it." Kimimaro said.
Naruto charged and Kimimaro tried to stab him, only for Muramasa to cut right through the bone needle and Kimimaro's arm by the length, to his shock. Both of them jumped away from each other.
"I had no idea there was a sword this sharp." Kimimaro said, uncaring of his limp, bleeding arm, although the bones inside were slowly mending. He then pulled out a bone sword from his left shoulder. "However, this isn't the hardest I can make my bones. Even a chakra-infused blade cannot cut through something stronger than steel."
Naruto charged again, infusing wind chakra to Muramasa's blade. The advantage to using wind was that it was especially useful when it came to slicing.
Muramasa and the bone sword clashed for a moment before the bone sword was cut through, to Kimimaro's shock. Naruto used this opportunity to stab Kimimaro, who coughed blood. The mark on his torso started spreading.
"If it hadn't been for the layer of bone armor under my skin, this would have been bad. But I cannot, will not, lose. I must bring this container to Orochimaru-sama." Kimimaro said as he jumped away from Naruto.
Kimimaro's skin darkened as the marks spread across his entire body. It was dark-grey, although it looked almost brownish compared to his greyed hair. His eye turned black and yellow, with black curved markings underneath his eyes. He had six bone spines sticking out of his back and a large dinosaur-like tail.
Kimimaro charged towards Naruto, using his two foremost bone spines like bull horns. He was noticeably slower than before.
It would be easy to do a vertical slice at his opponent's head, but Naruto was sure that's what Kimimaro was expecting. Kimimaro could easily sidestep, using one of his spines to deflect the sword before spinning to stab him with the second one.
When Kimimaro was a foot or two away from him, Naruto threw Muramasa in the air, 'grabbed the bull by the horns', fell backwards and threw Kimimaro behind him with the charge's strength and weight.
The moment he got up, Naruto caught Muramasa and charged towards the still falling Kimimaro, who turned his left arm into a giant bone drill and went for a stab. Naruto had to sidestep.
Landing on his feet, Kimimaro pulled a spinal cord from his back. It was as limp and elastic as a whip. He lashed out his whip and Naruto caught it with his free hand. Kimimaro pulled, bringing Naruto closer, and went for a stab. Naruto quickly landed one foot on the ground and jumped over the drill. He then tried to run around Kimimaro to trap him in his own whip, but the Kaguya started spinning around, making the whip spiral around Naruto's arm and shoulders. Kimimaro once again went for a stab, but Naruto crouched and kicked the drill over his head.
Having no other option, Naruto used his chains to restrain Kimimaro, who dropped the whip in shock. Now that he was free, Naruto charged and cut off Kimimaro's head.
Naruto raised an eyebrow when he got not only Kimimaro's soul, but also Orochimaru's. Was it the Cursed Mark?
Naruto was so focused in the fight, he hadn't noticed that the barrel was fuming, but he did hear the explosion.
Sasuke was chuckling as he looked at his stage two of the Cursed Mark. His skin was darker. His hair went down to his lower back and turned dark blue.
"Sasuke." Naruto called out.
"Naruto..." Sasuke said as he turned to face the blond, revealing the 4 branch star-shaped mark on the bridge of his nose. He then noticed Kimimaro's corpse. "Who's this?"
"A lackey of Orochimaru. Now, Sasuke, will you come back to the village with me or do I have to drag you?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke smirked. "I don't have time to play childish games with you and Konoha. I must become stronger to kill Itachi." He said as he sprouted wings that looked like webbed hands. He ran and jumped to fly away with his new wings. Naruto quickly gave chase until the Valley of The End. Sasuke landed on the head of Madara Uchiha's statue. Naruto landed on Hashirama's head.
"You're not getting any further without a fight, Sasuke!" Naruto called out.
Sasuke retracted the marks and turned to Naruto. There were still some marks on his face and his left eye was just like Kimimaro's.
"You're right." Sasuke said. "I have my own path. And I won't let anyone get in my way."
Naruto jumped the distance between both statues and the former teammates traded punches and kicks. The Cursed Mark really gave Sasuke a boost to his strength, Naruto noticed. The fight then continued on the nearby waters. Sasuke used the water-walking chakra exercise while Naruto used the Undine soul. Although there was little difference, Naruto didn't need to use chakra.
Sasuke made a Chidori and Naruto made a Fuuton: Rasengan. The Jutsus clashed, but Naruto overwhelmed Sasuke through elemental advantage, sending the latter flying backwards.
"For my Chidori to be pushed back when fully powered..." Sasuke trailed off as the marks spread across his skin. "A Jutsu that is on even ground with the Chidori and having the advantage with his wind affinity. This mark better give me the power to defeat him or else I'm back to square 1!"
Naruto discarded his coat. He had no idea of how much of a boost Sasuke receives through the seal, so it was prudent to do so. Speed wouldn't be enough, however. He flared Kyuubi's chakra.
Sasuke's eyes widened as his Sharingan saw the Kyuubi's chakra. This was what Itachi was after? He would need the full power of the second state, he could feel it.
"So this is the power sealed within you..." Sasuke trailed off as the marks covered his entire body and he made a Chidori that had a dark gleam and sounded like flapping wings instead of chirping birds. "Even with this, however, I am more special than you."
Naruto stayed silent before looking at the statues of Konoha's co-founders. "For such a fight to happen at the Valley of The End is quite the irony." He said.
Sasuke smirked. "You're right. It's the perfect stage for us. Let's finish this... NARUTO!" He yelled as he charged.
Naruto made a Rasengan mixed with Kyuubi's chakra and his own, giving a purple color, as he also rushed forward.
The clash of Jutsu made a massive orb of chakra around the two of them. After the orb imploded, both of them were knocked back.
The two of them stared at each other from each side of the valley. Even in this distance, Naruto could see it. The intensity of the battle allowed Sasuke's Sharingan to fully mature.
Sasuke ran up to the top of Madara's statue and used the altitude to fly. The height allowed him to avoid any chains sent at him.
Naruto cursed. After all of this, Sasuke managed to get away. There was nothing more he could do.
"Naruto-kun..." He heard behind him.
"Shouldn't you be recovering, Lee?" Naruto asked as Lee stepped next to him.
"No need to worry." Lee said as he looked at Sasuke's flying silhouette. "It looks like I won't end up fighting." One of his hands balled into a fist. "Although, if I had fully recovered, I could have opened the Eight Gates and help fight Sasuke-kun without getting in your way."
"Don't worry about it." Naruto said as he and Lee left the area.
On the way back, he saw the area where he fought Kimimaro. There, he met up with Gaara, of all people.
"Naruto..." Gaara greeted.
"Gaara, I'm surprised to see you here." Naruto admitted.
"As allies of Konoha, we received a request to assist your team on your mission. Temari and Kankuro are aiding some of your comrades."
They rushed to Shikamaru's location, only to see Temari kill Tayuya by summoning a sickle-wielding weasel that cut everything around him while riding the wind made by Temari's fan.
"Holy shit." Naruto said, catching Shikamaru and Temari's attention.
"Sasuke got away?" Shikamaru asked.
"His Cursed Mark went into a second stage that allowed him to fly. Being high above the ground allowed him to evade my chains." Naruto said.
Shikamaru sighed.
Eventually, Kankuro, along with a medic squad carrying Kiba and Akamaru, joined the group and they all headed to Konoha. They met up with Kakashi on the way, who asked where Sasuke was. Naruto explained the situation and Kakashi looked grim.
The mission was reported a failure, but everyone made it out alive, barely, in Choji and Neji's case. Sakura was devastated that Sasuke wasn't back in the village. Jiraiya also came to Naruto and made him his apprentice. He also said Akatsuki would be taking a two-to-three year break.
A couple of days later, Jiraiya came to Naruto with an S-rank mission. Sakura was planning to leave the village to chase Sasuke. They are to meet up with her before she leaves and assist her. If they don't catch up to her fast enough, she would become a Nuke-nin.
Fortunately, they caught up to her in a flash.
"What could you possibly do alone?" Naruto asked behind her, making her turn around in shock.
"N-Naruto?" Sakura asked.
"If you couldn't stop him by yourself here in Konoha, you'll only get yourself killed by trying the same in enemy territory." Naruto warned.
"But I have to get Sasuke back!" Sakura argued.
Naruto sighed. "You're so lucky this turned into a mission."
Sakura blinked in confusion. "A mission?"
"That's right." Jiraiya said, suddenly appearing. Sakura was awed at meeting another member of the Sannin. "We are to investigate Ta no Kuni, where Otogakure no Sato, and Sasuke, is said to be situated."
By dawn, they had reached Ta no Kuni.
"It seems like a calm and peaceful land to me." Sakura commented.
"We aren't even reached Oto yet." Jiraiya said. "This is Ta no Kuni. The Daimyo needed military power and allowed Orochimaru to make a base of operation in this country when that snake came with an offer."
They eventually reached a post town. Jiraiya then said he would need money for his investigation. Naruto stopped Sakura as she pulled out her wallet.
"This old pervert will spend it all on sake and girls in bars, don't waste your money. Besides, he's the author of Icha Icha Paradise, he has more than enough money." Naruto said, causing Sakura to put away her wallet.
While Jiraiya 'investigated' in the town, Naruto and Sakura waited for him in the outskirts of town, as he ordered.
After waiting a while, some kunai were thrown at them. A masked ninja revealed himself.
"So, Orochimaru already sent someone after us, huh?" Naruto said.
"You mean, you're not subordinates of Orochimaru?" The masked ninja, whose voice revealed was female, asked. She then used a smoke bomb and ran away.
"Naruto!" Jiraiya's voice echoed in the area. They looked in the direction it was coming from and saw the Sage himself running away from armed people. Bar bouncers, Naruto imagined.
Naruto sighed and pulled out Muramasa. He charged, deflected the bouncers' weapons with his katana and knocked them out. Nothing would be gained from killing them.
"Are you so drunk that you are worthless against barely-trained civilians? I'm honestly reconsidering your offer of apprenticeship."
"Don't say that, gaki. I trained the Yondaime, who trained Kakashi." Jiraiya said. "You'll go far with my training. I already taught you the Yondaime's Rasengan, remember? You even surpassed the Yondaime when it comes to that Jutsu!"
Sakura was shocked at Jiraiya's words and remembered Kakashi's praise. "That's right, Naruto did something better than the Yondaime. I knew he was strong, but... First Sasuke-kun with Kakashi-sensei's Chidori and now Naruto with one of the Yondaime's original Jutsu?" She truly felt like she didn't belong in the former team.
"So, who were those people and why were they chasing you?" Naruto asked, despite knowing the answer.
"It was a thousand times too pricey for the quality!" Jiraiya claimed.
Naruto sighed and Sakura realized that her teammate was right about Jiraiya earlier.
As they reached another town, they saw that it was much more violent than the last one.
While Jiraiya went back to his 'investigation', Naruto and Sakura bought something to eat and went back to a shrine they walked by.
On their way, the masked ninja from earlier rushed out the bushes, injured. Kunai were thrown at her, but Naruto blocked them with Muramasa. A man appeared and tried to slice him with some scissor-like pincers, only for Naruto to Kawarimi with the masked ninja. Sakura did the same as she fought another ninja.
They escaped to the shrine. The masked ninja tried to escape, but she was injured.
"I have ointment. Show me your wound." Sakura said.
The masked ninja looked at Naruto before looking away. Naruto got the message.
"I'll keep watch outside." Naruto said as he walked out.
Moments later, Sakura called Naruto back in. The ninja had removed her mask, revealing her long orange hair.
"My name is Sasame Fuma." She introduced herself. "The people who were chasing me are Oto-nin serving under a man named Orochimaru. I am sorry for mistaking you for Oto-nin last time."
"We are looking for Orochimaru. Please, tell us what you know." Sakura requested.
"It all began when the Daimyo wanted to expand the country's territory. He tried to do so by attacking a neighboring country. Since our country's ninja are so low in numbers, it was only natural that we'd lose. The ninja clans all fell in ruins, including my clan of Fuma. Some ninja left the country and became thieves. Even so, we, of the Fuma clan, believed in the revival of our clan and continued to live in the shadows. Eventually, a messenger from Oto came to us. He said that Orochimaru was interested in our techniques and that we could join him, depending on our efforts. My cousin, Arashi-niichan, was the light of hope for the clan's revival. He went with the messenger as a representative of the Fuma clan. We waited to hear word from him, but..." Sasame trailed off.
"Nothing?" Naruto guessed.
Sasame nodded. "But I will save Arashi-niichan! I may be small, weak and a burden in ninja training, but Arashi-niichan always helped me. Everyone in the village gave up on me, so I went to Oto alone."
"So that's why you were being chased." Sakura realized.
Just then, a spider fell from the ceiling. Naruto and Sakura looked up to see an armada of spiders covering the ceiling.
"Were we being followed?" Naruto wondered as he went outside. The whole place was covered in spider webs.
"Ninpo: Kazaku Gumo." A voice echoed. "My cute children made a road of silver threads and showed me the way to you guys! We will have to take care of you guys, now that you're informed of the situation."
"Ninpo: Arijigoku no Jutsu!" Another voice called out as the entire shrine started sinking into the ground.
A hunchback man appearing from the ground and was about to throw some shuriken at Naruto, but Naruto appeared before him and swiped Muramasa at his enemy. The hunchback jumped up in the air to dodge, stopping the Jutsu. But Naruto jumped just as high and attacked again and made a gaping wound on the man before kicking him away. Two more men jumped out of hiding and carried the hunchback away.
"I was about to help, but you didn't need any." Jiraiya said as he appeared next to Naruto. "Where's Sakura?"
"In the shrine with a Fuma ninja who was being chased by those three." Naruto said as Sakura and Sasame walked out of the shrine.
"Oh? Is this the Fuma ninja?" Jiraiya asked as he looked at Sasame.
"Back off, pervert." Sakura said. Sasame hid behind Sakura when she heard the title Sakura gave Jiraiya.
"Woah there, I'm only interested in mature women!" Jiraiya said quickly, waving his hands frantically.
Sakura then introduced Sasame and explained her story to Jiraiya.
"The Fuma clan, huh?" Jiraiya said. "I encountered some fugitives from the Fuma clan while doing some information gathering."
"More bar bouncers?" Naruto deadpanned.
Jiraiya ignored Naruto's comment. "The boss was called Hanzaki."
"Hanzaki and his group are traitors." Sasame said. "Did they do anything?"
"Other then trying to steal my money, no. But after beating them up, I asked them about Orochimaru's hideout, but they didn't know anything."
"I can guide you guys there." Sasame said.
Sasame led the three to a bunch of mountains, where she said Orochimaru's hideout was deep within. Jiraiya, being hungry, suggested they eat before risking combat within the enemy hideout. Naruto and Sakura complied while Sasame seemed reluctant, but said she would make tea as she made a campfire further away.
Sasame returned and gave everyone their tea. They all took a swig and fell unconscious.
Sasame shot a flare in the air and waited until two guys appeared before her.
"Did you succeed?" The first guy asked.
"As you can see, all three of them are here." Sasame said.
"Good work." The second guy said.
"You will let me see Arashi-niichan now, right?" Sasame asked.
"After we finish them off, yes." The second guy said as he walked closer.
"But you said they would be taken to Orochimaru-sama for inspection!" Sasame said.
"Their heads are enough." He said.
Sasame stood in his way, but was knocked aside. Before she hit the rock, Naruto caught her.
"The drug didn't work!?" The second guy asked.
"We saw it coming a mile away." Naruto said as the Kage Bunshin that served as bait dispersed.
Sakura appeared next to Naruto and took the unconscious Sasame from him. Naruto approached the two men.
"You guys need to be taught a lesson." He said as he pulled out Muramasa.
"Sasame helped of her own free will." The second guy said.
"After you fed her a lie." Naruto countered.
"All for the resurrection of the Fuma Clan!" The man said as he charged.
But he was too slow for Naruto, who gave him a bleeding wound to the upper body.
The other one tried running away, but Jiraiya appeared before him, spit the tea at his face and used a Rasengan on him.
Naruto blocked a kunai that came from the newly-arrived third member.
"Seeking revenge for that wound?" Naruto asked.
"Your Jutsu will be useless in this rocky area." Jiraiya said.
"True." The hunchback said. "When an ant-lion larva emerges from the ground and spreads its wings from its shell, it shines for an instant. That's when it dies as a Mayfly!"
He then turned into shed skin and a female figure rose. She also sprouted chakra wings.
"Orochimaru-sama promised the clan a place where the sun will shine again." She said. "For that, I plan to use this Jutsu that I can use only once in my life..." She then rose in the air and made some handsigns. "Kagero Ninpo: Utakata."
Her wings lengthened and attacked Naruto and Jiraiya, who brought Naruto closer to him and used the Gamaguchi Shibari to protect themselves.
"This disgusting Jutsu again?" Naruto asked.
"If I hadn't summoned that, I wouldn't have been able to block her chakra." Jiraiya said as he cancelled the summoning.
They looked up to the girl, who turned into a flash of light before falling on her allies and teleporting away.
Later, Jiraiya explained that he saw through Sasame's ploy when she called Hanzaki a traitor. But Hanzaki told him that the ninja who left Orochimaru after seeing his true self were branded traitors. Sasame was about use a kunai on herself, but Jiraiya slapped the kunai away. Jiraiya told Sasame to guide them to Orochimaru's hideout before going to Hanzaki's side. Sasame happily accepted. This was a much better fate than expected.
After Sasame guided the trio to the entrance of Orochimaru's hideout, Jiraiya summoned a small orange toad named Gamakichi to scout ahead. As they followed Gamakichi, the base was simply too quiet. They ended up in a room that split off into three different ways. Naruto and Sakura went to the middle, Jiraiya to the right and Gamakichi to the left.
Naruto and Sakura were careful for any trap in the corridor. Naruto jumped back as he almost fell into a trap door. They walked a different direction. It was so dark they had to take a candle to see around them. They eventually reached a large room with a lot of pillars.
"Good work making it this far, Naruto-kun, Sakura-san." They heard a voice.
"Kabuto." Naruto said, shocking Sakura.
Kabuto walked closer, revealing himself.
"I'm not surprised you made it here, Naruto-kun, though I wonder if Sakura-san would have been able to, on her own." He said. "After all, she was the one holding the team back. She's quite pathetic compared to you and Sasuke-kun."
"Where is Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked, trying her best to ignore Kabuto's words.
"You should be worried about Jiraiya-sama instead. He may not be in this world anymore." Kabuto said.
"You should be careful not to underestimate someone who is on equal footing with Orochimaru." Naruto said.
"True. Well, I'd love to stay and have my revenge for the humiliating defeat you gave me, Naruto-kun, but I mustn't keep Orochimaru-sama waiting." Kabuto said.
They then heard Orochimaru's chuckles as he walked closer.
Sakura was scared simply by seeing him close.
"Poor girl." Orochimaru mocked. "She's trembling like a pup. She truly does not fit in a team alongside two powerful boys like Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun. Kabuto, end her suffering." He said as he walked away.
"Yes." Kabuto said as he walked closer to the duo.
"Wait!" Sakura called out." Where is Sasuke-kun!? Tell me you haven't taken over his body yet!"
"Normally, we would have made you believe that he couldn't handle the seal, but Naruto-kun saw him using the seal's full power. He would have seen right through the lie. You are quite the problem, gaki." Orochimaru said as he walked out of the room.
"What a shame, really, I would have loved to see the horror on your face, Sakura-san." Kabuto smirked.
"Naruto-san! Sakura-san!" They heard Sasame call out as she and Gamakichi ran up to them.
"Sasame..." Kabuto sighed. "Now that you're here, my techniques won't work." 'Kabuto' pulled on his face's skin, which was a mask, and revealed the winged girl from earlier.
"Kagero-sama." Sasame said. "But your Jutsu..."
"I was revived by Orochimaru-sama." Kagero smiled.
"Where's Sasuke-kun!?" Sakura asked.
"And Arashi-niichan?" Sasame asked.
"If you want to see Arashi, go through that door." Kagero pointed at the door Orochimaru went through. "But I would advise not to. You may not like what you see."
"What about you?" Sasame asked.
"Me? I wanted to fight for Orochimaru-sama, but I know I am outmatched." Kagero said as she looked at Naruto. "I cannot defeat you. This I knew after our first encounter. I simply desire the revival of the Fuma clan."
"Orochimaru doesn't care about any desire but his own. To trust your future in his hands is dangerous." Naruto said.
"Perhaps... Go. Go see Arashi, if that's what you want. I won't stand in your way." Kagero said.
However, the door opened and revealed Orochimaru.
"So you are here, Sasame." Orochimaru said, pulling the mask that was his face to reveal Arashi Fuma.
"Arashi-niichan!" Sasame said as she ran to hug him, but Arashi stopped her.
"I am no longer Arashi." Arashi said as he turned into a monstrosity.
His skin darkened and he grew a large bump on his back that had the face of the Kagero's former comrades.
"The bodies and Jutsu of the Fuma Jonin have become one within me." Arashi said. "I have been reborn to become the strongest ninja. Now, I will show you my strongest Jutsu."
Naruto stepped forward.
"Ah, Naruto-kun... I have been warned about you." Arashi said. "But you cannot defeat me."
"Arashi-niichan!" Sasame called out.
"The old Arashi is dead!" Arashi said. "The one in front of you is just a lump of meat kept alive by Ninpo: Shisha Ku'utsu! Jigumo, attack!"
One of the faces grew arms and attacked Naruto, who jumped away to dodge.
Sasame tried to stop this, but Sakura knocked her out and she, along with Gamakichi, ran away while carrying her.
Jigumo spat out spider webs to restrain Naruto, but the blond pulled out Muramasa and cut the webs.
"Kamikiri!" Arashi called out as the second face grew an arm and attack with the scissor-like pincers. Naruto dodged and cut off the hand, making Kamikiri's face scream.
Sasame, who regained consciousness, ran towards her cousin. She jumped and stabbed Jigumo, "Please go back to the way you were before, Arashi-niichan."
Arashi grabbed Sasame by her clothes. "I told you the old Arashi is dead!"
However, Jigumo's face lost its power and Arashi gasped. After a moment, he put Sasame down. "I'm sorry, Sasame. I wanted power. I wanted to be powerful enough to revive the clan."
"I know you did." Sasame said. "But you're back. Let's go home."
Arashi shook his head. "I can't. I'm a monster."
"You're not!" Sasame said.
"This form hurts." Arashi said. "Sasame... Kill me."
However, Kamikiri's eyes started glowing and Arashi returned to his monstrous personality.
Arashi picked up the dropped Scissor-pincers and attacked Sasame, only for Naruto to block them with Muramasa.
"You..." Arashi growled.
"You came to your senses when one face was destroyed." Naruto said. "Let's do that again, shall we?" He said as he cut right through the pincers and kamikiri's arm. Kamikiri's face screamed and melted, giving Arashi complete control of his body and returning him to his normal form.
"Arashi-niichan!" Sasame called out.
"I'm sorry, Sasame." Arashi said. "I made you suffer, didn't I?"
"That's not true! The one who was suffering the most is you!" Sasame said. "But...you're all right now, right?"
"I...am not. The Jutsu that merged Kamikiri and Jigumo to me will take me over again. I cannot live anymore." Arashi said.
"Don't say that!" Sasame cried.
"Please...you must kill me." Arashi said.
Suddenly, a giant toad crashed through the ceiling with Jiraiya on its back.
"Sorry for the delay. I had my own problem to deal with." He said as he looked at the unconscious extra passenger, a woman he fought.
"Naruto-kun. Orochimaru gave us an order: To keep Sasuke away from Konoha. Orochimaru needs to protect Sasuke as his next container to transfer into him in three years." Arashi said.
Naruto looked at Sakura, who nodded and dragged a struggling Sasame away.
"Arashi-niichan!" Sasame called out.
"Sasame, do you want me to turn back into this?" Arashi said looking down at Kamikiri and Jigumo, who were clinging to him to control him again. "I must die to be free from Orochimaru's control."
Sasame looked away, crying.
Arashi looked at Kagero, who had stayed away from the entire fight. "Kagero, can you look after Sasame for me?" He said.
Kagero nodded.
Arashi closed his eyes, awaiting his liberation. Everyone closed their eyes in respect for the young man. Naruto brought Muramasa up before bringing it down. The sound of a blade cutting through flesh echoed in the room, making Sasame sob even more. Everyone, including Gamakichi and Kagero, climbed on the large toad, which jumped through the hole in the ceiling to reach the outside.
The next day, the team prepare to leave as what was left of the Fuma clan saw them off.
"Well, we couldn't find Sasuke, but we've found out he's alive." Jiraiya said. "Knowing we have three years to find him is good enough for now."
Sakura nodded in agreement as she sulked in the fact that she once again depended on Naruto instead of doing her part. But no more, she would ask Tsunade for apprenticeship.
Naruto and Jiraiya. Sasuke and Orochimaru. Sakura and Tsunade. Each member of Team 7 would receive training from a member of the Sannin.
And done! Hope you all enjoy this long chapter! Kimimaro's defeat by Naruto was actually a recent addition. I did it because I wanted Dracula to get a piece of Orochimaru's soul early for a specific reason, but that won't be relevant for a while.
So, with that, until next time!