Chapter 8: Masked Nightmare
In Konoha, the sun just came out, and repairs after the attack performed by the Masked Man were underway. What Sakura didn't expect was a visitor so early in her someone to visit her house so early. It wouldn't be a problem if this mysterious someone knocked on her door, but... at her balcony's glass door?
"Who could it be? It could be an emergency message or an attempt to..." she muttered aloud until she saw through the glass and notice the figure standing behind it.
"It must be a joke."
With a frown, Sakura put on a white robe she had in her closet and slowly opened the sliding door, only to find none other than her teammate, Sasuke Uchiha.
"What are you doing here, Sasuke? It's very early..."
"Well, you seemed down yesterday," Sasuke replied, showing unexpected sincerity, which surprised Sakura. She approached him slowly.
"You were worried about me?"
"If there's something bothering you," said the Uchiha, pulling one of his favorite tricks to appear out of nowhere a red rose and offer it to Sakura, "you can tell me without hesitation. I'll always be by your side."
"Sasuke-kun," Sakura said with excitement, placing her hands together and resting them on her cheek before taking the rose. Her face showed joy, as if she really loved Sasuke's gesture. Or at least, that's what it seemed for a second. What Sasuke didn't see coming was the pink haired threw one of her famous punches straight to his head.
"I didn't think you would try it so shamelessly with me! I've seen you pull off the rose trick with hundreds of girls over the years. I bet you're even recycling this rose."
"Ouch! I should have expected that from you, Sakura. Although I must admit, the last time I tried it, it worked fine on you. You seemed completely smitten with me" the village playboy said, nursing his sore head.
"In what world would I be interested in dating you?" Sakura realized that the travelers not only saved Menma but in the meantime, they also lived their daily lives. So, Sakura assumed that her other self was the one who fell for Sasuke's pathetic romantic attempt.
"I was surprised it worked, even though you were acting strange that day."
"Let's say that I wasn't myself. So, did you come here just to wake me up with your playboy act, or is there something else you want to say?"
"Yes. I wanted to tell you that if you need my help, just let me know. Something happened to Menma right? I'm not the only one suspecting it. However, I know that you know the truth, Sakura. It's evident on your beautiful…" Sasuke slowly brought his hand closer to Sakura's fair cheek, but one deadly look from her was enough to stop him.
"On your face. Sorry, I won't attempt it again."
"Why does everyone think I know what happen to Menma?"
"Because of the bond you two share since childhood. When you're together, everything around you two feels different. All of us noticed how you support each other and how you look at each other. Sakura, there's a reason why I haven't tried to date you all these years, with a few exceptions."
"Because you'd get the beating of a lifetime; considering I've seen all your tricks to charm girls and then change them with the next pretty face you see."
"Let's forget about that. The reason is that I always believed there was something between you two or that one of you had feelings for the other. Menma can be a nuisance at times, but he's my best friend. I respect that and I won't stand in his way for your heart."
"Who would have thought that someone who plays with the emotions of any girl would say something so profound?" Sakura was surprised by Sasuke's attitude.
"So, do you have feelings for our blond friend?" Sasuke asked, changing the subject after sensing Sakura's response.
"It's none of your business, Sasuke."
"You can deny it all you want, but I know you won't admit it. What I want to know is what crazy thing you're going to do to bring him back."
"Do you think I'm capable of doing something foolish?"
"For Menma, absolutely. We do foolish things for love, Sakura." Sasuke knew that if he continued talking about Sakura's love life, he would end up with a black eye, so he changed the topic.
"I say that because if they're after Menma's power, you know it won't be easy to save him."
"I know the risks better than anyone."
"Even if the Kyuubi goes out of control or if, in the worst-case scenario, they use Menma against you," Sasuke added, waiting for Sakura's response.
"Sasuke, I promised to bring him back at any cost. He has always been there for me. If I didn't do the same for my loved ones, I couldn't call myself a Hokage's daughter. Even if I have to descend into the deepest darkness, I'll do it without hesitation to bring him back" Sakura replied firmly.
"I guess no matter what I say, it won't change your mind. Just be careful not to get trapped in that darkness with him," Sasuke said with a cold tone, followed by his normal voice. "Menma is a lucky man. He has you to support him in these situations. Don't give up. Well, I have a date. Let me know if you need me, precious."
Before Sakura could land a blow on Sasuke, he leaped away, fleeing across the rooftops. Sakura wanted to chase him but remembered that she was still in just her pajamas and bath robe.
"You got lucky today, Sasuke. But I appreciate your support. Behind that womanizer façade, there's still a good friend. Although he's right, I can't let the supposed Madara to control me and use me like he did with Menma," the kunoichi thought as she watched Sasuke fade into the distance.
Almost at the same time, in the other dimension, two ninjas gathered at Konoha's gates preparing for a battle they would rather not to repeat. Naruto and Sakura looked in all directions, making sure none of their friends seemed them leave.
"Are you sure you want to go, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked.
He was trying to find a way to change Sakura's mind, remembering she was in grave danger the last time they faced Menma. However, that was precisely the reason why Sakura wanted to go. Using her as bait to lure Naruto had been a low blow to her pride. Besides, she wouldn't let Naruto face his double alone.
"If you ask me again, I assure you Menma won't be your biggest concern, Naruto Uzumaki" Sakura said, adjusting her gloves and giving Naruto a clear hint of what she meant.
"Understood, Sakura-chan. I guess it's time. So, where are we going?"
"That's why you need me by your side, baka. The training caves in the mountains. If we hurry, we'll get there soon."
"What are we waiting for, dattebayo?" And so, the two ninjas left the village at full speed. What neither of them noticed was that they were being watched from the trees.
"So, Naruto and Billboard Brow were hiding something. They've been acting strange since last night, especially when they heard about the appearance of the masked man."
"Both of them have been acting like this for a couple of weeks. They've been apart and when they met to talk, they prevent me from getting close. I thought it was related to what happen in the Land of Steel," Kakashi said. While Ino and Shikamaru looked confused about, the rest seemed to understand.
"But their behavior last night was too suspicious."
"It's a shame Shino isn't here. With one of his insects, we could find out what they were talking about or where they're going," Ino replied, to which Captain Yamato calmly said/
"We'll find out when we get there. Kiba, take the lead to track them, and the rest of us will follow you. If the Masked Man appears, we'll fight alongside Naruto and Sakura. Our main objective is to prevent Naruto from falling into Akatsuki's hands."
Everyone nodded, and they started following the two ninjas, unaware that surprises awaited them ahead.
"I didn't think I would use it, but today I need to feel that both of you are by my side. Mom, Dad, I won't disappoint you. Like you, I will protect those who are precious to me."
Sakura said that out loud while holding one of her most important treasures in her hands her father's cloak, the Fourth Hokage's. She already had the equipment she needed for her mission in her medical puch: some small weapons, basic medical supplies, and food pills. She didn't want to carry a backpack to avoid raising suspicions along the way and hindering her objective.
She held her father's cherry blossom necklace with one hand while holding the Hokage's cloak with the other. She warmly looked at the photo of her parents on her bedside table and decided to take it with her. She folded the photograph and placed it in a small pocket inside the Hokage's cloak. She took a deep breath and headed straight to the Training Grounds where she was sure Minato and Kakashi-sensei were practicing the technique to cross dimensions.
"Sakura-chan, I think I see the place," Naruto said, noticing the building constructed on the mountain.
"He must be waiting for us at the end of the same bridge where he had me as a prisoner. I think it's better not to go straight into his trap and go around through the forest in the mountain" Sakura replied, annoyed by the memory of being Menma and Madara's hostage.
"Understood. Although I think he already knows we're close," Naruto said, feeling the discomfort of his Kyuubi due to the presence of its counterpart.
From a distance, the team led by Kakashi and Yamato saw the building on the mountain. Ino began to recognize the place they were in.
"I think I've been here before. Even that temple looks familiar."
"It's not a temple. Those are the Training Caves that Jiraiya and my sensei used," Kakashi replied to the blonde.
"Kakashi-sensei, wasn't your master the Fourth Hokage?" Shikamaru asked.
"A strange coincidence," Kakashi commented, noticing Yamato's gaze, who wanted to know more. However, the barking of Akamaru caught everyone's attention.
"This is strange."
"Is something wrong, Kiba?" Captain Yamato asked.
"I thought it was just my imagination, but Akamaru also smelled it. Sakura's trail is normal and heading towards the forest trail to the mountain. But Naruto's trail goes in two directions, one with Sakura, but the other is already in the Training Caves."
"Aren't they Shadow Clones?" Shikamaru asked.
"I don't think so. What worries me the most is that he's not with Sakura. From Akamaru's reaction, that other chakra is immense and more sinister."
"Kakashi-senpai, what if the Kyuubi has gone out of control?"
"We have to act. Let's go there."
Kakashi and Yamato's team rushed at top speed towards where Akamaru had sensed the sinister chakra. Once they entered the Training Caves, they saw how vast the place was. There was a large tori gate that led to a bridge over a small lake. There was a small structure with pillars and a classic roof that led to two paths. One led to the stairs that took you inside the dojos and training areas inside the mountain, while the other led to a forest.
They advanced quickly to reach the gate when Captain Yamato checked his hand to see how many tails of the fox had been released up to that moment. His expression was one of astonishment.
"Kakashi-senpai, there's something..."
Yamato couldn't say more because a strong explosion caused all the shinobi to be thrown to the edge of the lake. They quickly recovered when they heard a voice said:
"Rasenringu"
A dark sphere rushed towards them at high speed, but this time Kakashi reacted and activated his Kamui. It was difficult, but he managed to absorb the technique and protect everyone.
"I don't think you learned your lesson."
Ino, Shikamaru, and Kiba recognized the voice as they saw the Masked Man approaching. Yamato, Sai, and Kakashi watched the stranger attentively, sensing that the Masked Man had locked his gaze on them.
"We have a problem taking orders. Blame Naruto for setting that example," Kiba said, unaware that mentioning that name would provoke his opponent's anger.
"That wretched fool. I planned to surprise him on the bridge like the first time, but it seems he fled. Well, I will have to settle with your bodies to bring that idiot here," he began performing hand signs to activate his most famous jutsu.
"Awakening of the Nine Masked Beasts!"
The Konoha's ninjas noticed the appearance of the 9 loyal companions of the masked man. Those who had already experienced their fury felt a cold chill running through their bodies as they saw them. Meanwhile, Kakashi, Sai, and Yamato wasted no time in engaging the summons.
Sai drew an ink bird and began attacking Suzaku, the bird of paradise. Kakashi and Yamato decided to work together to fight the Shinigami and Seiryu, the dragon.
"Snap out of it, remember you are ninjas of Konoha!" Kakashi shouted, urging the other ninjas to join the battle.
"You're right. Akamaru, how about we get some revenge for Hinata?" Kiba attacked Byakko, the white tiger, and Kinka, the golden snake, prompted by a bark from his companion.
"Ino, stay behind and let me know where the closest creatures are to balance the numbers in our favor."
"Roger, Shikamaru."
Ino positioned herself behind the genius of the Nara clan and, using her mind connection jutsu, guided the great strategist.
After a few minutes of watching the battle from the roof of the structure in the middle of the lake, Menma noticed that his summons were in trouble. Shikamaru immobilized the two masked sages so that the jounins wouldn't have to watch their backs. Kakashi, regardless of the dimension, was a formidable opponent, but Menma was surprised that he had no trouble dominating Seiryu and the Shinigami. Yamato, with his mastery over the Wood element, prevented the attacks of Tennyo the celestial maiden. Sai gave support to his allies from the sky with his ink summons while fighting Suzaku. Menma knew he had to act and went for the most important piece in Konoha's formation.
Kakashi had a Chidori in hand when he saw the Masked Man with a kunai. Kakashi was about to block the attack when he suddenly noticed how the Masked Man changed his course to go after Shikamaru and Ino.
"Ino, Shikamaru, watch out!"
Ino and Shikamaru narrowly avoided a kunai that was aimed at the blonde. However, Menma continued his pursuit of Shikamaru and Ino. The ninja saw a dark-toned spiraling sphere in the Masked Man's hand. As he recognized its shape and movement, Shikamaru's eyes widened. It was a copy of the...
"Rasengan!?" Shikamaru broke the Shadow Possession Technique he had on the beasts to grab Ino and avoid the impact.
Menma knew he had won when Shikamaru broke this technique. He gave a signal for both sages to activate their special technique. Kakashi and Yamato noticed a purple circle forming at their feet, and when they tried to escape, they discovered they were inside a barrier.
"Damn it," Kakashi frustratedly said, striking the chakra wall.
"We let our guard down, and he took advantage of it. He's smarter than we thought," Yamato responded, unsuccessfully trying to free himself with his wood attacks.
Once the strongest ninjas were under control, Menma attacked the others. First, he went to fight Kiba and Akamaru, who were now surrounded by all the beasts except the flying ones. After a couple of minutes of hitting Kiba, the maiden used her veil to trap the dog and Menma finished off Kiba with a kick.
Sai was next. He was evading the attacks of Suzaku and the flames of Seiryu in the sky. He was so focused on those two masked beasts that he didn't see the Shinigami coming from his blind spot, cutting down the bird with its scythe and bringing Sai crashing down from the sky.
"SAI!" Ino shouted as she saw the ninja on his way down just to be hit by Genbu's turtle shell.
"They were more of a nuisance than I thought. I knew that I was going to use you as bait, but your existence is getting in my way. Goodbye."
In the end, Shikamaru and Ino endured the fury of Byako's claws and Kinja's tail. Lying on the ground, they helplessly watched as the Shinigami raised its scythe to attack Kakashi and Yamato and steal their chakra.
Meanwhile, Menma prepared another dark Rasengan. This was even larger than the last one and he wanted to end the fight with that. The other ninjas felt that all was lost until two kunai appeared out of nowhere; one aimed at the Shinigami before it could strike Kakashi, and the other was aimed at Menma.
Menma stopped the Rasenringu to repel the attack, while the Shinigami had to step back. His mask concealed his anger, but anyone could sense it. Menma looked towards the direction from which the kunai had come and discovered Sakura and Naruto crossing the forest bridge.
"Finally, they are here."