I'll tell you now, this is going to be the Curry of Life arc. I know the timing is wrong but I don't care. Since it is right after Tsunade returns, Lee is still injured. I couldn't think of another rookie to add. Anyways, I really just wanted to let you know, that I've never actually seen the arc. I don't own any of the dvds and couldn't find one online that would actually work so if it's wrong, bear with me.
"Demonic Speech/Justu"
"Speaking."
Written text/Non-verbal communication(Hand signals)
'Thinking.'
Chapter 11
Thunder Storms in Katabami
A very sore and groggy Naruto slowly opens his eyes, only to have to close them because of the bright light.
'W-what happened? Where am I? The last thing I remember…Oh yea, I was fighting Kabuto then…'
In a flash of movement, he was upright, something he regretted when he felt that his stomach was still tender.
"Lay down Brat!"
He quickly turned to the voice, he saw she was really beautiful; she had light brown eyes, straight blonde hair in two ponytails. Not to mention, she had the largest bust he had ever seen.
"Eyes up here brat, I don't think your wife would appreciate it. Although, even I have to admit, she is lacking in that department."
Naruto's face turned red slightly at what she was implying. He had barely even given them a passing glance, he liked Haku's, she was petite and something about how he could wrap her in his arms made him smile.
However, at his first thought of Haku, his mind starts racing and he begins to try and sit up, ignoring the pain.
"Hey! Stop moving Brat!"
Tsunade begins to try and forcefully restrain the boy from moving but he wasn't making it easy.
"You want to do it like this, ok."
With a mere tap to the boy's neck, his entire body shut down.
"What the hell are you doing!?"
With the exception of his mouth.
The medic sent the boy an annoyed glare, obviously fed up with his shouting.
"If you would have listened I would have told you. Haku will be fine in a few weeks."
Guarded hope could be seen in the boy's eyes.
"Yes, now we have to do just a few more tests on her in the room she is in now, and we will be bringing her up. Can I trust you to stay here, even though the fox healed your wound the poison did a number on you."
Looking at the woman's eyes, Naruto sighed and nodded.
"The Mizukage needed to get back to Kiri so it is just you two until I clear her. Your teammate wanted to stay, but they made him go. Sarutobi was given permission to send you on short missions. Just to let you know."
Naruto didn't even process that Tsunade had said anything.
"How long?"
Tsunade shrugged slightly, already know what he was talking about.
"She should be up within the next day or two but won't be ready to travel for about a month."
Naruto's eyes widened.
"A month?!"
"What? Don't think you can handle little ol' me for a month?"
Looking slightly more composed and serious, Naruto responded with a shake of his head.
"It isn't you…I am hated here. You know, it was two hours after my arrival that everyone began to recognize me, they made sure they glared extra hard after that."
Tsunade gave him a small, sad smile.
"Well, you should know, I don't think that will be the case anymore."
Naruto just raised an eyebrow, trying not to let his emotions get to him.
"Why?"
"During the council meeting, one of the more ignorant councilmen wanted to vote to have you executed…Fool… anyways, much to everyone's shock, there were a few that refused to even put the subject to vote, stating that should any harm be brought to you, they will be leaving Konoha. Stating that as a whole, they had caused enough pain to you and that it was time to repent."
Naruto's eyes were saucers. Not even able to understand what was being said.
"Apparently, during the invasion, you fought the One-tailed Jinchuuriki…Well, the group that had been there, consisted of some of the councilmen's families. They apparently like to arrive together. At first they didn't believe that you had saved them from a Demon, but, with all their families' words, coupled with Jiraiya's and Sarutobi's…well, you get the idea."
Naruto was shocked…
'Maybe there is room in my heart for this village.'
With a small smile on his face, Naruto closed his eyes to go back to sleep, his thoughts drifting to Haku.
Deep in the Land of Sound, a painful cough could be heard.
"Please, Orochimaru-sama. You must calm down. The more stress you put on your body, the faster it will deteriorate."
The sound of flesh hitting flesh sounded throughout the base.
Kabuto stumbled backwards several steps, a growing bruise on his cheek.
Orochimaru was glaring death at his assistant, a bit of blood trailing from the Sennin's mouth.
"Do not presume to lecture me on that which I already know."
Kabuto bowed his head slightly, knowing better than to tempt his master.
"Now, get me the strongest ninja we have here."
Kabuto merely nodded and went to do as his master told him.
As Kabuto walked down the dank corridors of the hidden base, Kabuto couldn't help but think about Orochimaru's current status.
'As he is, there is no way he will be able to take over Guren's body, she is the strongest here but her chakra would be to powerful and that could possibly kill him. I suppose I will have to grab one of the Chunin. But who? Ahhhh, Pakaran should do, strong enough to not raise Orochimaru-sama's suspicion, but not so strong as to cause him trouble. I'm sure he will also enjoy having the chakra control of a puppeteer, as well.'
Having come to a decision, Kabuto made a left towards the barracks.
Just like Tsunade said, later that day, they wheeled Haku into his room, close enough to his bed so he could hold her hand as they both slept.
The next morning had the blonde getting dressed in his usual clothes, finally being released by Tsunade. However, he didn't go very far, sitting at Haku's side the whole time. He was just waiting to hear her voice.
Luckily, he didn't have to wait too long as the next day, Haku woke up, though she could barely talk and was very sore, she was alive and well, that alone brought tears to Naruto's eyes.
For the next three days, he only left her side to relieve himself and bring them both food that wasn't from the hospital.
Unfortunately, duty calls.
"Let's go brat! The Hokage wants to see you, he has a mission for you. It will be good for you, get some fresh air."
Naruto didn't stand up, refusing to leave but Haku grasped his hand.
Haku gave Naruto a kind smile. She spoke, but her voice was still raspy and broken.
"Go. Good luck Naruto-kun, be safe."
Naruto looked at his wife, concern written on his face.
"Are you sure? I'm sure I could convince Saruto-"
Naruto was silenced by a kiss.
"Go."
Naruto smiled down at his wife before giving her one last kiss on the lips and leaving.
Haku sighed when he left. This was going to be a long month.
'I may not be able to really practice, but maybe Tsunade-sama can tutor me in other aspects of medical ninjutsu.'
It was taking some getting used to, but word of his heroic deed had indeed gotten around, and most of the civilians looked at him with a conflicted look, guarded respect with a hint of fear, it was different, but not unwelcome.
As Naruto walked up to the Hokage's door, he could hear some shouting from inside.
'That's impressive. To be able to hear outside, even through the seals, I doubt Sakura could be that loud…On second thought…'
Naruto was barely able to make out what they were saying.
"Hokage-sama! You can't do that!"
Now his interest was piqued. Very few people could get away with speaking to 'The God of Shinobi' that way.
"Do not tell me what I can and can't do. You were an allied nation and conspired with one of our greatest enemies. We have every right to end any negotiations of a re-alliance. Now, should you agree, Suna, Konoha and Kiri will maintain a non-aggression pact for six months, at which point, we will discuss a re-alliance."
Though he was unable to hear the rest of the conversation, he imagined that whoever it was, apologized profusely.
A few minutes later, a man he recognized immediately stormed out of the room. He was the Suna nin that was attacking the proctor, Baki if he remembered correctly.
As soon as the two locked eyes, Naruto could feel the killing intent rolling of the Suna nin in waves.
Baki was barely able to keep his anger in check and stormed from the Hokage tower.
Naruto walked into the Hokage's office, slightly confused.
"Is he still upset that I kind of ruined their plans? I figured with them being deceived by Orochimaru, they wouldn't be so sore."
The old Hokage sighed tiredly. Since the invasion, he had been busier than he had been since the Kyubbi attack.
"I'm afraid that he isn't angry at you per say. With the fragile state of Kiri, the Mizukage refuses to be allied with Suna, it is understandable. Kiri definitely understands the ninja's way of life and normally wouldn't think twice about it. However, she is unwilling to risk Kiri's restoration."
After a few moments of silence, Naruto spoke, unsure.
"So basically, because we refuse to be allied with them, you can't be allied with them, with the broken alliance, normally a few kick-backs and bam, new alliance that is stronger than ever. However, because you are allied with us, you must get our approval, which it's easy to see that Mei-sama refused."
Sarutobi nodded tiredly.
Naruto appeared to be in thought, before shrugging. It was Mei's decision and he could respect her desire to avoid potentially dangerous alliances.
"So, the old hag said you have a mission for me?"
Sarutobi had a dumbfounded look on his face before gave up trying to figure the blonde out.
'To be able to get away with calling Tsunade Senju such a thing… My boy, how do you do it?'
"Yes, I suppose I do. Firstly, I would like to congratulate you. Normally there would be a ceremony but we are very busy with rebuilding. Mizukage-dono left this for you."
Naruto couldn't keep the grin off his face when the Hokage handed him a gray flak jacket that the boy wasted no time in put on, strapping Kubikiribocho to the back. He couldn't stop himself from checking himself out in the mirror in the back of the room.
"Very nice Naruto-kun. I knew you could do it. Now, as for this mission, three men were found in the woods surrounding Konoha by Anbu. They were all unconscious and any attempts at awakening them have failed. They did however have a scroll with basic mission details. It is located in Katabami Kinzan, it is home to a particularly rich gold mine. Apparently a small group of bandits have taken control. The scroll said 9 men. This mission is labeled as B-rank with potential to increase, pay will be provided accordingly."
Naruto gave a nod as he took in the details.
"Who is my team?"
A small smirk crossed the old man's face.
"You will lead this mission consisting of yourself, Tenten Higurashi, and Neji Hyuuga."
A smile made its way across his face.
Knock Knock
Sarutobi turned to the door with a frown for a second before it disappeared and a smile took its place.
"Enter."
The door opened to reveal both, Neji and Tenten.
The three shared friendly greetings.
Naruto looked around a little more before realizing something.
"Where's Lee?"
Neji shook his head.
"He's still unconscious. Tsunade-sama just finished his operation yesterday. She will have to sedate him for 2 weeks to insure he doesn't injure himself again and after that, it will be another week before he can even start light training."
Naruto nodded, Haku had told him spine injuries were very tricky.
The room had become very somber, thinking about Lee. However, Tenten was quick to rectify that by hitting Naruto in the arm.
"What the hell! You didn't tell us you made Chunin."
Naruto smiled.
"I didn't know, I just got this a few minutes ago. Looks good though, huh."
Tenten gave the blonde a once-over before shrugging.
"Meh, it could be worse."
That earned the girl a light shove, right into Neji who sent a mock glare to the two.
The Hokage cleared his throat loudly, amusement clearly dancing in his eyes.
"Now, if you're done bantering, I believe you three have a mission to get to."
The three gave the Hokage a short bow before walking out.
Naruto looked at the two.
"Are you two prepared for a mission that could take up to two weeks?"
Tenten smirked and Neji shook his head before clueing Naruto in.
"Tenten carries enough supplies to last two years, I think we'll be ok."
Naruto looked at the girl like she was insane before shrugging, he accepted that she was less than sane a long time ago. The three ran across the roof tops at a quick pace, heading for the exit.
As soon as they were out of the village, Naruto began going over the plan.
"Ok, our first priority will be recon, get a scope of the terrain, numbers, hostages, and ID any potential threats. However, we need info before we engage, that means don't get caught."
The two were in ninja-mode and simply agreed.
After traveling at a fair pace for 7 hours, Naruto raised his hand, his teammates instantly becoming alert. Using basic hand signals, Naruto communicated with his team.
Fall back and keep silent
With nothing more than a nod, the two slowly and carefully made their way in the direction they had come from.
They had been moving for ten minutes when Naruto requested Neji to search their surroundings.
With a surge of chakra, Neji began searching, his eyes seeing everything around them for 8 km.
It took Neji a considerable amount of time to search the entire area, at which point, both Naruto and Tenten took defensive positions around him.
After 10 minutes, Neji's Byakugan faded.
"We are clear."
With a sigh of relief Naruto sat down.
"What was the meaning behind this? Would you mind explaining why my Byakugan was unable to see into the town?"
Naruto sat up straighter, his face was stone, running over all the possibilities.
"Explain."
Neji sat across from the blonde, Tenten sitting next to Neji.
"I had no problems searching the entire area, but there seemed to be a dome around the village, disrupting my abilities."
Naruto was in deep thought.
"We were close enough that I could hear the voices in town. One of the voices alerted another to our presence, how many of us there were, chakra capacity and the equipment we held. The fact that we haven't been attacked means that either they didn't believe him, which is unlikely, or that they are arrogant enough to think we are no match. I fear they may have a skilled shinobi with a doujutsu other than the Byakugan or Sharingan. Now it also seems as though they have something capable of countering the Byakugan. This is disturbing."
Neji and Tenten were both amazed at Naruto's hearing. They had been over 200 yards from the village and he could still hear them speak.
"What is our plan of attack?"
Naruto didn't know what to say…
"I don't know. They have someone that has some sort of sensor ability and was able to locate us from so far away. I hate going in blind. We will be out numbered, out informed and possible out classed. With so many variables, I am placing this mission at A-rank, possibly S-rank. To have so little information and being unable to ascertain such information, I'm initiating a vote. If you wish to continue the mission, majority rules. My vote is to continue."
Neji and Tenten seemed to be in deep thought before Tenten spoke.
"I vote to return to the village with these details so a proper team may be established. We are neither experienced enough nor properly equipped."
Naruto nodded, not thinking anything less of the bun-haired girl, both turned to Neji, his vote would decide.
"My vote is to continue, it may be illogical, but I must know what has the ability to counter the Byakugan so effectively."
Naruto and Tenten both nodded, neither holding a grudge of any sort.
"Ok, we will fall back another 3 miles and set up camp, I know there is still several hours of daylight, but I want us to be rested before we attempt entering the town."
With a simple nod, the three made their way back.
*In Kiri
Mei sighed as she sat back in her chair, the pile of paperwork in front of her never-ending.
"Ugh, I've only been back for two days and I already wish I was back on that roof, battling the deceased Hokages."
Mei couldn't help but reminisce about the battle; it was the second hardest battles she ever fought.
'A close second to defeating Yagura in his three-tailed cloak.'
With a sigh, Mei read through another mission report. It was a B-rank mission to The Land of Hot Water, merely guarding a wealthy business man while he conducted some meetings.
With an air of boredom, she continued to read.
The client's business was concluded without trouble and we made our way to an inn. Upon making it to the inn, the client went straight to his room, my team set up a rotating shift, 2 on 2 off. However, roughly 2 am, there was a disturbance. Worried they were there to target out client, myself and Hochi proceeded to check out the disturbance, the other members of my team remaining on guard duty.
It was a short trip to the noise. We were right in the fact that it was a ninja battle, but it had nothing to do with our client. There was four nins with a symbol I have never encountered before. It was a music note. They seemed to be pursuing one nin, we were too far away to see details, but he appeared to be of average build with white hair. During the skirmish, I noticed a strange ability. I watched as the boy dissolved into water before reforming.
Before we could gather any more information on the fighters, a radio call for back-up arrived and we were forced to engage our own battle, defending the client-
The report went on for several more pages, but she merely reread one paragraph, her eyes wide.
'White hair and dissolved into water.'
"ANBU!"
In a blur, a ninja appeared, he wore a black cloak with a blank white mask.
"Get me Ao!"
Naruto overlooked their small camp, taking one last look to make sure nothing was left behind. The sun would begin rising in a matter of minutes and were hoping to be at the village before the civilians woke up.
"I hope you're ready for combat, I can feel it already."
Neither Neji nor Tenten made much of a response, Neji's eyes continued to stare into the distance absently, while Tenten twirled four kunai in each hand, one ring around each finger.
With but a glance to his comrades, Naruto silently took to the trees, making a b-line for the village, stealth all but forgotten.
Naruto halted his team with a fist, the three came to a stop and spread out, Naruto drew his sword, Neji dropped into his Gentle Fist stance and Tenten never put the kunai down, ready to let them fly.
Suddenly, people started dropping from the trees. When it seemed as though the last had come, there was 10 in total, each wearing the same thing. Long black jackets and brown pants, white bandages wrapped around their ankles and wrists. They each also had a set of gloves on.
The apparent leader stepped forward.
"Tch. You ninja have a lot of nerve stepping onto the Kurosuki Family territory."
Nobody noticed Naruto twitch slightly at the name.
"If you return to where you come from, you will be spared. However, if you continue, we will be forced to kill you."
Slowly, a smirk made its way onto Naruto's face.
"I like option c."
The man glared at the blonde. To make it seem more frightening, claws shot from the man's gloves.
"There is no opti-"
Squelch!
Naruto's smirk never left his face as the man was separated into two at the waist.
"There is always an option c."
The 9 looked at Naruto, shocked.
Because their attention was on him, they noticed his nod.
The 9 tensed, but it didn't help.
"Eight Trigrams: 64 palms!"
The entire group's attention turned to Neji, their eyes wide as he appeared in front of them.
"Two palms!"
He hit the closest member to him twice, he happened to be the largest of them all.
"Four Palms!"
Four more times.
"Eight Palms!"
Neji nailed the same man with eight more hits, sending him flying into a tree, blood leaking from his mouth. However, the brunette never faltered, his target was now the man to his right.
"Sixteen Palms!"
The tall man that was Neji's target could only stare as Neji's hands were blurs, each hitting a different part of his torso. When Neji finished, the man simply slumped to the ground.
The Kurosuki family could only pray he was done. Unfortunately for them, he wasn't.
"Thirty-two Palms!"
With hands in a blur, the only woman in the Kurosuki family was killed instantly.
"Sixty-four Palms!"
Seeing the pattern, if only vaguely, the rest of the family shot the claws from their gloves and started swinging, one of which was rewarded with a grunt of pain. Unfortunately, he was also rewarded with a swift death, 64 palm strikes ending his life.
Tenten watched the fight with interest. She was surprised when one of them got Neji's right cheek with a thin scratch.
"Just think, you went from 10 to 5 in less than 35 seconds."
The remaining five looked at each other, fear in their eyes.
However, one brave man stepped forward.
"We are the Kurosuki Family! We will never surrender! Hey! Let's see how they handle… Black Tornado!"
Their courage reborn, the five remaining fighters got a determined look on their face. The man that spoke got into a sturdy looking stance.
The remaining four nodded and took off running, one right behind the other. It was only a few seconds until all five were sitting on each other's shoulders, each glaring towards the ninja.
They spoke in sync.
"Prepare to feel the wrath of the Black Tornado!"
They each held out their arms, claws extended as the man on bottom began to spin, slowly at first but quickly getting faster.
It wasn't long before what was in front of them was a tall, black tornado with five streaks of silver.
Naruto turned to Tenten and she nodded at his unspoken order.
Eight kunai, all aimed directly for the bottom man's legs were thrown.
The three ninja were surprised when the kunai bounced back, not pericing the man's legs.
"Neji, are they using some sort of barrier or chakra?"
With them being outside the town still, his Byakugan worked perfectly.
"No, the man is merely spinning so fast that it is creating a wall of wind, the kunai were just thrown off course."
Naruto nodded.
"Hear that Tenten, just a little wind."
A vicious smirk crossed the bun-haired girl's face.
"I can take care of that!"
Tenten jumped into the air and pulled out a scroll. It seemed to levitate in the air next to her before she hit it and channeled chakra into the back.
Suddenly, before Naruto's and Neji's eyes, a single, large ball with a dozen 2 inch spikes on the outside emerged, a two foot length of chain was attached at one point.
Tenten didn't delay in grabbing the chain.
Slowly at first, Tenten had the ball spinning over her head, spinning just as fast as her opponents.
"This fight is over!"
When Tenten released the weapon, it flew straight at the chest of the bottom person; it never stopped and plowed right into him. The five people wound up in a pile of limbs when he was knocked out from underneath the others. The spiked ball attached to his chest, piercing him in four areas.
The four men who only took a fall made their way to their feet, barely glancing at their dying comrade.
They were shocked and afraid.
"S-she beat the Black Tornado! That's impossible!"
Tenten's hands moved to form a hand seal.
"Goodbye."
An explosion rocked the area, the source, the ball with spikes.
When the dust cleared, it was a truly gruesome sight. The man that had the ball stuck to him was blown to pieces; his body was a pile of burned gore. The others had severe burns and painfully bleeding wounds all over from shrapnel.
With mercy, Tenten threw a single kunai at each of the groaning men.
The three waited, using their own sensing methods. After a few minutes nobody came. The three exchanged a nod and took off running once again.
*With Haku
"So, you store poison in here so that when you can fire poison senbon quickly and without any warning."
Shizune nodded, a small smile on her face as Haku inspected her normally hidden weapon. Shizune nodded, putting the chart down.
"You seem to be healing very quickly. Don't quote me on it, but you may be fit to travel in as little as 3 weeks."
A smile overcame Haku's face.
"That would be nice. Don't get me wrong, I like you and Tsunade, but I miss my home."
Shizune gave a knowing smile.
"Don't worry, I fully get you on that one. Being on the road was fun, but it is great to be home."
Shizune and Haku had become fast friends with Shizune tutoring Haku on the academic part of being a medic nin seeing as she was unable to use chakra or get out of bed.
*With Naruto and Team
The three young ninja arrived in the center of the town, they were shocked that they hadn't been attacked yet.
Their shock only grew when they arrived. It was a ghost town.
"Neji, I can hear them inside, what are they doing?"
Neji's veins bulged as he activated his Byakugan.
"Gah!"
Neji's hands flew up to his face, covering his eyes.
"What happened?"
"So…bright."
Tenten looked around worriedly.
"What's going on?"
Naruto stayed silent for a few more minutes before responding.
"They sound afraid."
Suddenly, Naruto's head shot to the side, Tenten quickly tried to catch a glimpse of what had him so jumpy.
She barely even saw a blur.
"Damn, we were being watched. I don't know for how long."
Tenten looked at Naruto with concern.
"You mean you didn't hear them?"
Naruto's head shook.
"Not until they spoke."
Neji's voice cut through the silence.
"Can you track them?"
Taking a second, Naruto nodded.
"Then let's go. I need to find out what it is that caused this."
Neji didn't need to elaborate for the others to know he was talking about his eyes.
With a sigh and nod, Naruto took off in pursuit of their stalkers.
They found them relatively quickly; they were strangely enough in a make-shift graveyard. The head stones were nothing more than boards with names engraved in them.
A soft voice barely reached their ears.
"You were right Raiga, they would come."
A maniacal laugh pierced the air like an arrow.
"So, what was it like? Did you cut off his arms and then his legs and watch him bleed? Maybe you submerged him underwater and watched with glee as he drowned! Tell me! Oh! Please tell me you buried him alive! That would make me so happy! How did that fucker die!?"
The voice sounded absolutely insane. It sent a chill up the young ninjas' spines.
Naruto's hand gripped the hilt of Kubikiribocho so tight that his knuckles went white.
"So, I was right. When your goons kept talking about the Kurosuki family, I couldn't help but hope that you wouldn't lower yourself so much. Looks like Zabuza was right. You are nothing but an insane child with bloodlust."
The second the name 'Zabuza' was left Naruto's lips, sparks of electricity began to coming from Raiga's body. (Think SS3 Goku)
'Zabuza wasn't kidding when he said that Raiga hated him. Then again, I'd probably hate someone that told me I was useless and would never achieve my dream. Especially when he had already achieved the same dream.'
"I'm going to kill you with a smile!"
In an instant, Raiga drew the Kiba and charged, both swords glowing with power.
*With Mei
Mei stared straight at Ao as he read the same report that she had finished 2 hours earlier.
"So?"
It seemed as though Ao was going to say something, but he wisely kept his mouth shut as he finished.
"It seems possible. When Mangetsu was thought to be dead, Suigetsu ran. He and his brother were inseparable. They had the same dream and the same drive. It was only luck that led to Mangetsu taking the spot on the seven instead of Suigetsu."
Mei nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I owe… We owe…Hell, Kiri owes Mangetsu much more than saving his brother if the fact that he resisted is anything to go by."
Ao could only nod as both his and Mei's thoughts drifting back to that fateful day.
*Flashback*
Mei, Ao and Mangetsu ducked quickly inside one of the many war-torn buildings near the Mizukage tower. Its second story offered them a perfect vantage point to survey the tower.
Mei turned to Ao with a smile.
"The Grand Elder did it. With his fake intel, Yagura sent 90% of his troops to the Eastern Base."
They discreetly watched as the single Anbu made his third round of the Mizukage tower, his eyes scanning everything.
With wide eyes, the rebellion could only watch as a second Anbu stopped, right below the window they were looking out of.
He gestured for the other man to join him.
"Anything yet?"
The patrolling Anbu shook his head.
"Not yet sir. However, I don't imagine anything happening, after the last battle, the rebellion was forced to retreat deep into the Eastern Forests. Even if they managed to mount an attack it would take them days to arrive."
The seemingly older Anbu nodded.
"I know, that's wh-"
Neither loyalist Anbu could continue their conversation when Ao silently landed behind them, landing a palm strike to both of their heads. Their brains now resembled mush.
Before their bodies could even hit the ground, Mangetsu silently dropped behind one, while Mei dropped behind the other, catching them before they could make any noise.
The two jumped back, landing silently in the room they just occupied and laid the bodies in a corner, out of the way.
The three nodded to each other and began the plan.
They silently made their way up to the second story window of the Mizukage tower, which was a mission assignment room and would be unoccupied and unguarded.
Turning to Ao, Mei used hand signs to tell him to find a clear path. Unfortunately, while there were only a few shinobi there, they were pretty spread out.
They found a path that only had one person between them and the Mizukage.
The three took off, quickly and quietly, Ao leading them to their destination, each thinking the same thing.
'Today, the Mizukage dies!'
The three made their way through the Mizukage tower without incident. However, it didn't take too long to arrive at the stairs, what they saw had all three of them stopped dead in their tracks.
A man stood at the bottom of the stairs, he had shoulder length silver hair and a manic grin on his face. He was none other than Gin Akush, only member of the new seven swordsman to stay loyal.
"Oh, would you look at that, little Manny is here. How does it feel? Master every one of the seven, only to have them all taken, never getting to truly wield one."
As though to accent his point, Gin pulled Hiramekarei from his back. Mangetsu merely smirked as he drew a kunai.
"Before today is over, I will wield that blade. You don't deserve to hold it. Mei, Ao, go. I'll take him."
Both Mei and Ao looked at Mangetsu, concerned.
"But…"
However, Mangetsu was hearing none of it.
"Just go. But, if something happens to me, look for my brother in my stead. Help him with his dream."
Mei could only nod before she took off running, Gin not even attempting to stop the two.
That was the day that the Mizukage perished. It was also the day Mangetsu Hozuki died with Hiramekarei in his hands.
*End Flashback
Both Ao and Mei shook their heads to get back on track.
"Hmmm, I have read reports of Kisame Hoshigaki being sighted in the Land of Hot Water. Perhaps we should send a team to investigate. We have already received permission to hunt missing nin on their territory as long as we pay for any damages caused by the fighting."
A smile crossed Mei's face.
"Yes, I agree, but send them with the mission of intel. Unless they have a sure opportunity they are not to engage. We cannot risk failure."
*With Naruto
Both blades of Kiba clashed against the hulking figure of Kubikiribocho. Naruto wasted no time in disengaging and jumping back, looking at his sword as he did. It looked like a dog had taken two bites out of it.
'Damn, the Kiba really do live up to their reputation.'
With only a slight surge of chakra, blood seeped from the damaged areas and the blade reformed. It happened just in time, as Raiga was bearing down on him once again, the Kiba alit with power.
"Yes! I'm going to kill you!"
Once again, the Kibas took a bite out of Kubikiribocho. However, this time, Naruto landed a kick to the missing nin's chest.
Using the much needed break, Naruto stabbed his sword into the ground and flew through and seals.
"Water Release: Water Bullet Jutsu!"
Bulging his cheeks, Naruto shot three consecutive shots at Raiga. However, the man simply slashed through them with his swords.
That was when they heard the soft voice once again.
"Watch out, behind you."
Raiga turned around, already bringing both of his swords into a cross-block.
The full weight of Kubikiribocho was enough to force Raiga to a knee. A smirk crossed Naruto's face as he used his momentum to swing his leg forward, landing a solid kick to Raiga's face. The force of the kick sent the man staggering back, his nose bloody and involuntary tears in his eyes.
'I'm gaining ground. The Kiba can only cut through Kubi if it is a head-to-head hit.'
Using the man's disorientation to his advantage, the second Naruto's feet hit the ground he was moving.
Tenten and Neji stood off to the side, Naruto asked them to sit this one out, but they wouldn't hesitate if they thought he was going to die. They watched as he closed the distance between them in seconds, his sword came around and they smiled, seeing the pink mist of Raiga's blood.
Naruto stared as his sword cut into the man's stomach. Everything was perfect, the spray of the blood, the sound of it hitting the ground, even Raiga's grunt of pain. However, one thing was off. Kubikiribocho wasn't absorbing the blood.
Instincts started screaming and Naruto ducked below…nothing. However, he did notice a single golden hair begin to fall.
With a prayer in his heart, Naruto slashed his sword straight up, his effort was rewarded when blood sprayed from the air.
The same soft voice from earlier spoke, his alarm was evident.
"Raiga!"
As though the world was made of glass, everything shattered. What was left was Raiga Kurosuki clutching the stump that had been his left arm.
"What the hell!? I never knew you could use Genjutsu, and a damn good one too."
Raiga was on a knee, his right hand was tying a tourniquet around his left arm, his breathing was labored and he was losing massive amounts of blood. The man's training was kicking in and it only took him seconds to complete the field dressing.
"I'll kill you!"
Leaving one of his swords behind, Raiga raised a single blade in the air.
Lightning began cracking all around the sword before gathering at the tip.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Ball Jutsu!"0
Naruto was barely able to dodge the incredibly fast attack.
Before his feet even hit the ground, a glow got his attention, another ball was forming on the tip of the man's sword.
"Lightning Ball Jutsu!"
Naruto blurred through hand seals.
"Water Release: Water Encampment Wall Jutsu!"
The water in the area surged around the blond, creating a protective cyclone, the lightning ball dissipated against the water.
As the water wall dropped, it revealed Naruto's hands blurring away as he formed seal after seal.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Missile Jutsu!"
Raiga's eyes could only widen as he saw the dragon rushing for him, he could do nothing as he was rooted to the ground with fear.
"I-it's just like Kisame's…"
Tenten and Neji watched as Raiga seemed to go into a sort of trance. He didn't even try to dodge. They watched as Naruto's giant, A-rank water dragon slammed into the man, its jaws clamping down on him, earning a scream of pain as the dragons head began to turn pink when the man's blood began to flow into it.
The attack finished when it slammed the man into a cliff, collapsing it on top of the ex-swordsman.
For several minutes, all is quiet, until a soft voice could be heard.
"R-raiga?"
There was no response.
"Raiga!"
None of the three were sure on what to do. Do they find the survivor and kill him or do they walk away, likely allowing him to die a slow and painful death.
With a nod, the three began moving the rocks in an attempt to find the two. It didn't take long before Neji found them, Raiga had obviously already bled out, if the puddle of blood that he was sitting in said anything. However, he was surprised by the other person, he was a young boy, no older than 7, and even small for such a young age. He had purple hair and his eyes seemed to have a maroon color to them. The young boy had blood leaking from his mouth.
His little hands were grasping at Raiga's shirt to the point of his knuckles turning white.
"R-raiga…why? No, you can't! I can't go on without you Raiga."
The boy entered a coughing fit, sending sprays of blood onto Raiga's face.
The three ninja watched as the unnamed boy slowly collapsed onto Raiga's chest, no longer able to support himself.
He rolled off the swordsman and glared deeply into Naruto's eyes, forcing every ounce of hat he could onto the blond.
"It's… Your… Fault…"
The light left the boy's maroon eyes, the anger and hate still plainly visible, even in death.
With a sigh, Naruto grabbed Raiga and gestured for Neji to grab Ranmaru, meanwhile, Tenten picked up both sides of the Kiba.
Naruto sealed the two bodies in a scroll but sealed the Kiba in a seal built into his arm before turning to his teammates.
"Kiri has an offered reward of 4 million to anyone who returns the Kiba, Shibuki or Samehada. However, I have no desire for it since I will benefit either way, the money is yours, and I'll make sure Mei-sama sends it to you."
Neji and Tenten were shocked. 4 million… That was like 4 S-rank missions…
*With Mei
"Well?"
Ao bowed to the Mizukage.
"Two of our best teams have been briefed and will be leaving first thing in the morning."
Mei nodded.
"Good, what teams are we sending?"
"Teams two and six. Both teams have exceptionally skilled trackers that are familiar with the unique signature of the Hozuki clan."
Mei just nodded and looked out the window, she would pray for them, something she had only found herself doing with Zabuza's team.
'Heh, Its worked so far…'
Ok, that's it. I know stupid spot for the ending but I didn't want to go any further in this chapter and couldn't think of any other way to end it. Now, please review!
I have to admit, the fight between Naruto and Raiga sucked. Unfortunately, for my later plans with the Kiba, that is how the sword had to work. A good sword fight is hard to write when every swing takes a chunk out of your sword.
After reading through Ch. 10, I need to give Tsunade a moment. She got her ass kicked by Orochimaru, I'm gonna try and give her a time to shine, I just haven't decided when.
As for my next update, I hope for next Friday, but my schedule is already looking pretty packed, so if not then than by Sunday.
I thought I would go through the abilities of the swords displayed so far in my story.
Kubikiribocho-As it slays, it absorbs the blood that coats it, constantly repairing and re-sharpening it. A blade is never as sharp as the day it is forged, Kubikiribocho always is. On top of that, any extra blood is stored for later use in the case of any real damage. By channeling chakra into it, it will use the stored blood and instantly regrow. (I thought of this when my nephew was watching Dragonball Z. Just like when Piccolo regrows his arm, it happens quick, and with a shower of blood.)
Nuibari-Primary ability is its ability to pierce nearly anything; its piercing ability surpasses Kusanagi's ability to cut. Its secondary ability lies in the thread, with such a small diameter, unless a vital organ, hits are less likely to be fatal making it difficult to combat any large numbers, however, by tying multiple opponents together with thread, they kill themselves by trying to move causing the wire to cut deeply into muscle, flesh, and organs.
Kiba-It is widely believed that the Kiba is the sharpest sword in the world, that is false. It is no sharper than any standard sword. Its ability lies in the fact that any chakra channeled into it is converted to lightning chakra. Simply channeling chakra into it will increase its cutting power exponentially. A master of the sword is said to be able to use high level lightning ninjutsu through the sword without hand seals and for a fraction of the chakra cost.
Hiramekarei-Allows user to manifest their chakra into a solid form. Can only form solid objects(No guns or anything of the sort). The amount of chakra channeled dictates the density and size of the construct.