Chapter 27 Enemy of my Enemy
I don't own Naruto. Anything I use from the story is the property of its creator Masashi Kishimoto. Same with anything I use from other stories
(Uzumaki Compound)
While the Leaf village was filled with the sounds of battle, Tayuya Kin Sasame Temari Fu and a Yakumo clone were relaxing in the large living room waiting to see what happens next, "So now we wait" Tayuya sighed.
"Yep. With everyone else fighting and us staying here it's kind of annoying but it's the right call." Kin admitted.
While Kin and Tayuya were focused on the battle, Temari was focused on something else entirely, "I still can't believe that all five of you are sleeping with Naruto." Temari frowned as she thought about everything she'd learned over the past few minutes. She and Naruto were cuddling when she heard the sounds of fighting outside and realized the war had begun. Temari panicked since somebody could attack them at any moment, but Naruto offered to take her back to his home to rest. She agreed and was taken back by a clone since the real Naruto needed to stay and fight. When she arrived at his place, she found the other girls relaxing in his living room. She wanted answers immediately and the Naruto clone provided them before dispelling.
"What's so hard to believe. He's a great guy with stamina for days, a big dick, and a bigger heart." Fu said bluntly.
"Really Fu." Sasame blushed she didn't disagree with it but to say it out loud was shocking.
"The people of Taki made it very clear how they felt about me, and I learned to do the same. I guess old habits die hard." Fu smiled.
"Anyway… how soon will I be able to see my family." Temari wondered.
"Hard to say. Could be a week, a few months, possibly never" Yakumo revealed.
"What! You can't be serious!" Temari gasped.
"Keep in mind Temari, that your village was mere moments from attacking ours. There's an argument to be made that you're a prisoner of war." Yakumo countered.
"But we withdrew."
"Only because you discovered Orochimaru killed your father. You were complicit in every other aspect and your sensei even attacked a Leaf shinobi to hide the plot." Yakumo frowned.
"So I could be here forever." Temari frowned.
"If it makes you feel better Naruto has some insane pull with the village. He can probably convince them to have your prison sentence be in his compound. Wouldn't be the first time he had potentially dangerous woman sleeping nearby." Fu smirked taking a dig at Tayuya who gave Fu a middle finger for her troubles.
"Do you think he could convince them to let me go sooner." Temari wondered.
"Yes but ask yourself this. Your village will have no leader and it won't solve the issue you guys have with your Daimyo. You might be better off in the Leaf." Yakumo admitted.
"Still… I'm worried about my family." Temari replied.
"Fine you big baby. I'll take a look and see what I can find." Yakumo replied before closing her eyes. Thanks to her bond with Ido, she could sense what was going on with any shadow clone or with any fragment of world of shadows even as her normal self.
"So where are they."
"All you need to know is that they're fine." Yakumo replied.
"Good" Temari breathed. If her family was okay that was good enough for her.
(Orochimaru vs Third Hokage)
As he stood in front of his two opponents Orochimaru was not pleased. He was outnumbered and one of his trump cards was gone. The good news for him was that one of his opponents was an amateur and that was what he would pray on, "Run along brat. Sensei and I have some catching up to do."
"I've got a better idea." Naruto smiled as he vanished in a burst of speed.
"Fast" Orochimaru gasped.
"Thanks" Naruto smiled as he appeared behind Orochimaru before touching his back briefly as the Sannin got out of the way.
"Nice try boy but your attack failed." Orochimaru smiled.
"Did it?" Naruto smiled as he vanished again and appeared behind the Third Hokage who was already making hand signs.
"Shit" Orochimaru cursed aware a powerful attack was coming his way.
"Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame" the Third shouted before releasing a burst of flames at his former student. Naruto watched happily as the flames scorched the battlefield and no doubt did plenty of damage to the Sannin.
"Nice attack Lord Hokage." Naruto praised.
"It's far from over. He's still a Sannin." The Third chided.
"Right" Naruto said firmly as he gathered himself. That attack was round 1 and somebody like Orochimaru would certainly be ready to counter it. As the flames cleared up a smiling Orochimaru was standing as though nothing happened.
"That was clever of you two. I was barely able to get away with my mud clone."
"Funny story actually. You didn't get away at all." Naruto smiled.
"Oh?"
Naruto smiled before putting 3 fingers, "Yep and you'll see why in 3 2…" but before Naruto could say 1, flames erupted from beneath Orochimaru and caused the Sannin to light on fire. As his screams of pain filled the small area the Sannin was stunned.
"What… was that." Orochimaru gasped.
"My attack from earlier was an anti-clone seal. You see I'm an expert at using shadow clones and I know that most people use clones to avoid damage. This seal senses when somebody uses a clone, and then absorbs the attack. Since it's connected to your chakra the seal goes to the new clone and then wham." Naruto smiled.
"Then it's a good thing it was used up." Orochimaru smiled. If that lingered, he'd be in huge trouble.
"Was it" Naruto smiled cockily causing Orochimaru to grimace.
"We're far from done Orochimaru." The Third smirked.
Orochimaru scowled as he charged Naruto before opening his mouth, "Take this HAA." Orochimaru shouted before a blade appeared from his mouth and shot at Naruto.
"Fool" Naruto smirked as the attack cut right through his stomach with Orochimaru right there.
"Naruto!" The third shouted worried for his partner.
"Stay back old man. He's about to pay dearly for what he just pulled" Naruto smiled as he wrapped his arms around the snake Sannin.
Orochimaru's eyes widened as Naruto started to glow, "Damn you brat." Orochimaru shouted but it was too late as Naruto exploded in front of him.
"Shit" The Third cursed realizing he was defenseless in front of the explosion.
"I got you Lord Hokage" Ido said mentally as her shadows surrounded her leader as the explosion ripped through the small area. Thankfully for Ido, the attack was contained by the barrier.
When the smoke finally cleared, Orochimaru's body was revealed and he wasn't in good shape at all. He had burn marks all over but luckily for him that was it, "Damn you brat." Orochimaru cursed as the shadows surrounding his teacher faded revealing him and a smiling Naruto who used Wind Cloak to hide while Orochimaru was recovering from the Majestic Destroyer Flame.
"Incredible." The third gasped looking at the damage the attack had done.
"Thanks. I would've thought it did more but oh well." Naruto shrugged.
Orochimaru was furious, "I haven't been damaged this badly in a very long time. Thankfully, I have a way around that blasted seal of yours so we can keep going" Orochimaru smiled before opening his mouth and the trio watched Orochimaru practically shed his skin.
"That is nasty." Ido gagged.
"Agreed and now things just got interesting." Naruto frowned. His seal was designed for clones but not anything like this.
"Well, we still have the advantage." The third smiled. It was 2 on 1 here and Yakumo wasn't far away.
"Not for long sensei. Kimimaro do it." Orochimaru shouted as he looked towards one of the hooded figures.
"Yes sir" the hooded figure at the top right of the barrier said firmly before tossing off his cloak revealing a tall young man with pale skin and vivid green eyes with shoulder length white hair. Notably he had two scarlet dots on his forehead. His outfit consisted of a light lavender long-sleeved zip-up shirt that he wore very loosely along with black pants cut off around mid-calf and shinobi sandals. He also had bandages wrapped around his ankles and his purple belt was tied the same way as Orochimaru's.
"Sakon Ukon one of you take over for Kimimaro. You should be fine since nobody else is here to deal with the barrier." Orochimaru ordered.
"Right" the person at the top left shouted before dispelling the barrier around him. All of the sudden sand appeared from nowhere and proceeded to surround the cloaked figure.
"What!" Orochimaru said in shock and even the Third was caught off guard.
"What the. Where did this come from." The cloaked figure complained and due to his distraction, the barrier around him dispelled as the Sand surrounded him.
The answer came when a tuff of red hair seemed to levitate towards them and Gaara of the Sand appeared with his usual cold expression, "I am Gaara of the desert and you killed my father. Prepare to die." Gaara said firmly.
"Gaara of the Desert. What is the meaning of this." Orochimaru shouted.
"Die" Kimimaro shouted as he charged Gaara hoping to distract him.
"Shadow Bolt" a dark voice shouted, and a bolt of darkness appeared from out of nowhere and Kimimaro was able to dodge.
Over with the cloaked figure the sand was surrounding him, "I'm not going out like this." the figure said harshly before the cloak was torn apart and a rush of chakra caused the sand to dispel revealing a new person. He had medium height with fair skin straight hair that was light blue but closer to gray with beady eyes and green lipstick. His outfit consisted of a black shirt under a brown tunic with long sleeves and bore the symbol of the Sound Four on the hem, and black skin-tight shorts. Like Kimimaro this person had black shinobi sandals and leg warmers along with a belt. Notably his face was filled with a series of 3 circular marks. He also wore a red necklace and had a scroll on his back.
"Sakon are you alright" Kimimaro frowned.
"Yeah, but that attack was annoying." Sakon replied.
"Ukon, separate from Sakon and keep the barrier up. With these interlopers there's no telling who else might show up." Orochimaru shouted.
"Got it" Sakon replied before a figure appeared from his right shoulder. The figure was identical to Sakon, with similar marks and wore the same uniform without the necklace or scroll.
"You sure know how to pick em Orochimaru." Naruto said cheekily.
"I won't let you." Gaara frowned as he focused on the sand to trap the pair again.
"And I won't let you." Kimimaro shouted as he quickly charged Gaara and shocked everyone by reaching for his shoulder and pulling the bone out.
"What the" Ido shouted having been distracted by the attack.
"That won't work" Gaara replied as the sand automatically moved to protect him.
"Kimimaro deal with our red headed friend." Orochimaru shouted.
"Yes Sir." Kimimaro replied as he focused on Gaara
"Shall we" Gaara replied as he jumped backwards and back into the arena.
"Let's" Kimimaro replied as he followed Gaara.
(Compound)
As everyone waited to hear what was going on, Yakumo groaned in annoyance, "Things just got interesting." Yakumo sighed. Thanks to her bond with Ido, she could sense what was going on with any shadow clone or with any fragment of world of shadows. This was true even though she was technically a clone herself. Ido's power truly was amazing.
"What happened." Tayuya wondered.
"Short version or long version."
"Short" Tayuya said quickly.
"Gaara of the Desert is fighting against that Kimimaro guy." Yakumo explained.
"What the fuck. You need to explain more and now." Tayuya insisted.
"Well. After Karin discovered that Orochimaru was acting as the Kazekage the clone with Karin went to tell Naruto. Once he did, we decided to alert Fu since having proof of his actions might get the Sand off our backs. When my shadow went to see Fu, Gaara was alerted, and he talked to me. I told him everything and he insisted on revenge but that he would join me when his brother Kankuro came for him. After Kankuro came, the clone hid right next to where the main fight would happen and waited for an opening to attack. We found it and there you have it." Yakumo explained.
"Got it." Tayuya sighed.
"What's wrong." Temari asked nervously.
"Kimimaro was the leader of the Sound Four or Five I guess… and he's powerful but what makes him dangerous is that he's one of two bloodline limit users that Orochimaru has."
"What's his bloodline."
"He has the ability to use his bones as a weapon." Tayuya revealed.
Temari's eyes widened, "Wait a minute. You're saying he's from the Kaguya clan."
"Yep." Tayuya nodded.
"It's been a long time since I've heard that name." Haku scowled.
"Oh right. Haku was born in the Mist." Kin confirmed.
"Yes. Members of the Kaguya clan could use their bones to attack and even amongst the Mist they were feared as warriors. Some of them decided to rebel against the Fourth Mizukage and as punishment he decided to purge us of our bloodlines. My Yuki clan was one of the clans that was ultimately destroyed thanks to them.'
"I see." Temari frowned.
"Again, we're lucky that Guren isn't here. If she was part of this, I doubt even Naruto would survive." Tayuya said ominously.
The girls all shuddered at that, "Well let's hope that Gaara survives." Haku said calmly.
"I'm more worried about what will happen if Gaara is pushed too far. After all he is still the host of the one tailed beast and his rampage could change everything." Temari frowned.
"We'll see' Yakumo frowned. She hated watching from the sidelines, but this was for everyone's sake.
(Gaara vs Kimimaro)
As he looked at the white-haired youth across from him Gaara couldn't help but think about how he's felt the last few weeks. After Naruto beat him and fixed the seal he and Shukaku have had a different relationship and without the madness coursing through him he could fight easier, "Are you ready." Gaara asked calmly as he focused on the white-haired youth in front of him. His ability to use bones was troublesome but nothing he couldn't handle.
"I should be asking you that. From what I heard of you before you were a monster who killed indiscriminately, that means you've yet to experience a true fight." Kimimaro taunted.
"Then let's find out." Gaara replied as the sand inside his gourd started pouring out en masse.
"Your sand is fast, but my bones are faster" Kimimaro said calmly before swiping his hand and causing five finger bones to charge at Gaara at a surprisingly quick speed.
"Fast" Gaara gasped but thankfully his absolute defense saved him moving before necessary.
"Lucky break." Kimimaro replied as he swiped his other hand but the result was the same.
"It's funny. In my more monstrous phase I was always talking about my mother. It turns out she does look after me." Gaara smiled as the sand continued to flow. What many would assume was Shukaku protecting him was actually something his mother did. How he had no idea, but he wasn't about to complain.
"Well let's see how useful that defense is against my Dance of the Camelia." Kimimaro shouted before pulling out the bone from his left arm and holding it as he charged Gaara
"Fool" Gaara said calmly before swiping his left hand as some of the spilt sand surged towards him. Kimimaro quickly dodged and got into Gaara's guard before he began stabbing him with the unused bone. Unfortunately for Kimimaro, Gaara's defense blocked each strike.
'Impossible. He's still blocking my strikes.' Kimimaro said in shock before jumping back to dodge tendrils of sand that had been forming around him.
"Now it's my turn to attack." Gaara smiled as the sand tendrils charged Kimimaro who was forced to dodge everything at high speeds. He couldn't block because the danger of the sand lied in the volume and getting any sand close to him was risky.
"You're strong but this won't be enough. Outside of the Sand Village you're extremely limited in the amount of Sand you can use." Kimimaro smiled.
"I agree" Gaara said calmly. He had two options in this situation and if he was being honest neither of them were very good ones. The first was to use a technique Shukaku taught him to collapse the area around him and make more sand. The second, was to use Shukaku himself. Because Naruto and the Hokage were fighting nearby the first option was down.
Kimimaro smiled, "So what will you do Gaara of the Dessert." Kimimaro wondered.
Gaara took a deep breath, "I'll… simply make more sand." Gaara replied as he started to focus his chakra internally. He hadn't used his powers since the time with Naruto and now that Shukaku's madness was gone it was time to get serious,
(Orochimaru vs Naruto & Third)
With Gaara taking care of Kimimaro, Naruto and the third were able to focus on Orochimaru, "Let's see what you got old man." Naruto chuckled.
"If this is how people treat you maybe you should retire sensei." Orochimaru teased.
"I was talking about you." Naruto replied causing Orochimaru to twitch.
"Striking Shadow Snakes." Orochimaru shouted.
"Too easy" Naruto smiled before unsheathing his blade and then sending a blade of wind chakra at the snakes dispelling them with no effort before returning his blade to its side.
"Not bad." Orochimaru smiled.
"Thanks but I'm far from done." Naruto smiled as he began going through hand signs.
"Don't forget me." The Third shouted as he went through hand signs.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough."
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu"
"Well done" Orochimaru smiled as the attack rushed towards him. It was far too powerful to block using a simple wall and he didn't want to use the Rashomon gate where they were, which meant this was going to hurt. As the combined attack hit Orochimaru was seemingly engulfed in flames
"There's no way that worked." Naruto frowned. That attack was strong but there was no way that Orochimaru would ever allow that to hit.
"Agreed" the Third nodded. Both were on the lookout for his next move. They got their answer when they heard a sound from behind.
'Dodge!" Naruto shouted and they moved away just as a blade went towards the Third Hokage's back.
"For a senile old man you're rather quick." Orochimaru smiled
"I've been training recently. Shadow clones truly are useful" The Third smiled back. Once he learned of the invasion, he realized that he needed to train so Ido offered up a solution to his paperwork. Using shadow clones to deal with it. After lamenting the fact that he didn't figure it out sooner the Third started training.
Orochimaru frowned because this was a problem. He didn't like his odds in CQC against the old man particularly with Naruto there also and without the Impure World Resurrection he didn't have much. Arashi and Kabuto were gone, or they'd be his trump cards, "This is more troublesome than I care for."
"Good" Naruto smiled from just behind him. He used Orochimaru's lapse in concentration to sneak behind him and he was ready to go unsheathing his blade with an attack ready.
"Shit" Orochimaru cursed as he was hit close range with a powerful slice of wind.
"Well done my boy." The third praised.
"Thanks but that won't be enough especially since that's a clone." Naruto replied and sure enough the Orochimaru vanished in mud and the real Orochimaru appeared from underneath with a scowl."
"You frustrating little brat!" Orochimaru cursed. He hadn't struggled this much in a long time."
Orochimaru twitched at the reminder of the Uchiha's presence, "Thanks. Itachi sensei always did tell me to press any opening I see." Naruto smiled.
"Is that so. I wonder what else Itachi taught you." Orochimaru scowled. He was in a bad place, and he needed backup. Fortunately for him, Kabuto appeared out of nowhere.
"What the heck?" Naruto frowned.
"Lord Orochimaru are you alright." Kabuto Yakushi said nervously.
"I've been better. How is Arashi?" Orochimaru said calmly. With Kabuto back he had the advantage again.
"What are you talking about. Isn't he with our forces trying to hold off everyone since the sand betrayed us." Kabuto frowned.
Orochimaru was all of the sudden extremely nervous, "Kabuto, I watched you take Arashi away just after that damned explosion. If you didn't then… DAMN IT." Orochimaru roared.
The Third smiled and so did Naruto, "It would seem that you have a bit of a problem my dear student."
"Didn't that stuff Tayuya show us say that this Arashi guy was one of the top candidates for his next body. I guess having those spare clones came in handy after all." Naruto smirked.
"You!" Orochimaru seethed.
"Lord Orochimaru it's okay. With me by your side we can take him down." Kabuto said firmly.
Orochimaru took a deep breath before smiling, "You're right Kabuto. Take care of the brat and." Orochimaru had to stop when he felt a kunai pierce his stomach.
"And what." Kabuto smiled before a puff of smoke revealed that the Kabuto was a disguised Naruto.
"Like the old man said. Shadow clones are useful." The real Naruto smiled. He had one of his spare clones disguise himself as Kabuto and now Orochimaru had a bad injury to deal with.
Orochimaru fell to a knee before pulling out the kunai before opening his mouth as a new body revealed itself, "You truly are as frustrating as your father boy. It would seem I truly have to go all out." Orochimaru frowned as his new body prepared to fight.
"And you're every bit as disgusting as Tayuya said. What's that three times you've made a new body" Ido spoke up.
"I forgot about you my dear. That's quite the unique ability you have." Orochimaru smiled.
"I'm going to stop you right there. Tayuya Kin and Sasame gave me a pretty good idea of what you do to your servants, and I don't need that." Ido frowned.
"No matter. Now I believe it's time we." Orochimaru paused because out of the corner of his eye he saw red energy start to swirl on the ground. Looking towards the source he realized the energy had surrounded them, "Now isn't this interesting." Orochimaru smiled.
The third focused on the source and realized what was going on, "Is that a cloak" the Third Hokage said nervously.
"Yep. This Kimimaro guy is clearly very strong."
"Should we be concerned?"
"No we shouldn't. I made sure that the madness contained within Shukaku was taken care of." Naruto replied.
"Hey Naruto, I'd say it's time to end this." Ido replied out of nowhere.
"I forgot you were here Ido. You doing okay with all these jutsu flying around."
"Yup and I even prepared something that could help us." Ido replied.
"What could you possibly do against the might of a bijuu?" Orochimaru taunted.
"Who said I was talking about Gaara" Ido smiled.
Orochimaru was curious as to what she was after but then heard a sickening series of crunches. Looking towards where Sakon was earlier, he saw what looked like a giant bear trap surrounding Sakon "What did you do!"
"I used a technique of mine called Shadow Trap to take care of your goons. They didn't see it coming and by the time they did it was too late" Ido smiled.
"Impossible. When they use the Four Flames Barrier, they create a secondary barrier around themselves." Orochimaru seethed. He did that specifically to avoid this type of situation.
"Yes but not their shadow which is how I attacked them."
Orochimaru was furious but the reality was he was in deep trouble now. With the other three members of the Sound Four dead he had no protection and soon every ANBU that could join them would. He had two options in this situation if he wanted to survive and neither of them were desirable. "It seems I have no choice but to use him." Orochimaru frowned as he bit his finger.
"Oh no. Is he actually going to use him." The Third panicked as his student flashed through hand signs.
"SUMMONING JUTSU." Orochimaru shouted as he slammed his hand against the ground.
"Naruto move quickly towards young Gaara." Sarutobi said nervously as a puff of smoke appeared and the aged Kage jumped off the building
"You don't have to tell me twice." Naruto replied before following behind as Orochimaru's summon revealed itself.
(Uzumaki Mansion)
"Oh shit" Yakumo panicked.
"What's wrong." Kin said nervously.
"Orochimaru just summoned a massive snake which destroyed a bit of the real me's shadows."
"Well fuck." Tayuya cursed.
"Care to explain Tayuya." Yakumo frowned.
"That snake is probably Manda the boss snake. He's a nasty piece of work and he's pretty damn powerful which means Naruto is going to be in for it now." Tayuya explained.
Yakumo was furious, "So what should I do. The real me is heading towards a safe zone with the other competitors and the shadow I had watching Naruto just dispelled."
"Calm down Yakumo. Gaara is still with them." Fu replied.
"You're not suggesting Gaara transform?" Temari gasped.
"Yep. A transformed jinchuriki would be the best bet and since Shukaku is made of sand Manda won't be able to much. I get that you're worried about Shukaku's madness but I'm positive Naruto worked out something during his fight with Gaara."
Temari frowned but then she remembered how Gaara had changed since the battle, "I don't like it but fine."
"Well let's hope that things work themselves out." Tayuya sighed. This was a bad situation and one that was only getting worse.
(Battlefield)
"Well this sucks." Naruto smirked as he looked up at the massive purple snake that appeared in front of them. Naruto heard about boss summons from both Itachi and Kakashi since they had summoning animals, but he'd never seen them in use.
"Jiraiya wanted you to sign the toad contract but clearly that never happened. Well we can only hope my former student is taking things seriously for once and can join us." The Third frowned.
"I can transform to stall." Gaara suggested with his cloak still out. Kimimaro moved to the top of the snake and was standing by a panting Orochimaru.
"Not yet. I've got something I want to try." Naruto replied as he started to flash hand signs. He had a few special jutsu saved up for a moment like this and now it was time for one of them.
"Orochimaru! Why have you summoned me to this wretched place!" Manda roared.
"I had no choice Manda. Things were a bit more complicated then I planned." Orochimaru growled.
"In that case where are my 100 sacrifices. You know that's the price for summoning me."
"There are villagers all around. After you help me deal with my opponents you can have your fill." Orochimaru replied.
"Very well then I'll…this can't be." Manda gasped as he noticed Gaara's cloak and Naruto's hand signs. "Hold your horses boy." Manda shouted.
Naruto stopped what he was doing as the boss snake moved his head towards him and Gaara both tensing up, "Is something wrong."
Manda looked at Gaara and Naruto, "You and that red head are jinchuriki are you not." Manda asked firmly.
"Uhh yeah. I have the nine-tailed fox and he has the one-tailed racoon."
Manda looked visibly annoyed, "Consider yourself lucky boy because those bijuu are creatures that even I would avoid like the plague."
"Damn it Manda, I need you or I'm finished!" Orochimaru complained.
Manda ignored the complaints of his summoner and focused on Naruto, "Let's make a deal boy. Allow Orochimaru safe passage out of this village on my back and I will spare any villagers that I go by on my way out."
"Why should I believe you." Naruto frowned. He loathed the idea of letting Orochimaru go free.
"I'm a boss summon whose fangs are larger than your whole body and I'm making a deal with you. Do you really have the right to say no"
"Good point!" Naruto sweat dropped.
"MANDA! FIGHT THEM!" Orochimaru shouted.
"SILENCE Orochimaru. You should be thankful I don't eat you myself!" Manda cursed.
Orochimaru was about to reply but in the distance the group saw a large red toad with a large blue jacket and a blade. The toad jumped up and in one motion appeared inside the stadium just behind Naruto with Jiraiya on top.
"Just great it's Bunta." Manda scowled.
"Orochimaru! This ends now." Jiraiya shouted.
Manda was furious at these developments and had enough, "Next time we meet you'd better have 1000 sacrifices for me Orochimaru." Manda scowled before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
"Damn you Manda!" Orochimaru screamed as he fell to the ground with Kimimaro both hitting the stadium floor with a small thud.
Naruto could only chuckle at the developments, "You know. Surrendering looks like a good idea." Naruto smiled.
"Lord Orochimaru if you want, I can use that, and you can find a way to escape." Kimimaro frowned.
Orochimaru frowned because he knew exactly what Kimimaro was thinking. but Manda had an annoyingly good point about not wanting to deal with the jinchuriki. The two hosts combined with Jiraiya and his sensei made for a troublesome combination and one that he couldn't overcome easily, "No Kimimaro this is when we." Orochimaru stopped because he and Kimimaro vanished out of nowhere.
"What the hell!" Naruto said in confusion.
"I believe Orochimaru was reversed summoned." Gamabunta spoke up.
"Reverse summoned? That's a thing" Naruto questioned.
"Yes. Somebody, summoned Orochimaru and Kimimaro away." Jiraiya explained.
"So he could be anywhere." Naruto exclaimed.
The third frowned because this was annoying, "Naruto use your clones and search every inch of this village immediately. I don't know who saved him but if they're in the village they need to be found immediately."
"Right" Naruto replied and he activated his clones.
(Unknown area)
Orochimaru appeared in a puff of smoke with Kimimaro next to him but before they could say anything a voice spoke up. "Looks like it worked." A voice said smugly.
Orochimaru looked around and realized he was in a safehouse about a half a day's trip away under normal circumstances. It was something Danzo had in case of emergency and one that Tayuya wouldn't have known. "Seems I owe you a thank you Kabuto" Orochimaru smiled as he found the exhausted visage of his second in command and this time, he was certain it was the real him.
"The thank you is really Danzo's. He was the one who taught us about reverse summoning along with how useful shadow clones were." Kabuto smiled. While they were waiting for the exams, Danzo taught them about various contingency plans in case things went wrong. One of them was to leave a clone at one of his safehouses and watch everything from afar using cameras he set up years ago. If worst came to worst, reverse summon anybody involved to a safehouse. It took Kabuto two weeks to master the technique and to mark the important individuals. Since there were two of them he had to make an extra clone to ensure his master and Kimimaro escaped.
Orochimaru smiled bitterly since the old bastard's advice saved him, but he had more important things to focus on, "Where is Arashi?" Orochimaru questioned.
"He's currently resting in the hospital wing."
"Excellent. Please check on Kimimaro since his fight may have weakened him more than I care for. After both are cleared we'll head home" Orochimaru ordered.
"Very well. Come this way Kimimaro." Kabuto replied as he walked away. Things ended up being far more interesting than they could've expected but they survived and that was all that mattered.
(Hokage's office)
The good news for the Third Hokage was that the invasion was repelled with minimal casualties. The bad news was that Orochimaru escaped, and they had no idea how. "Any word from Naruto?" the Hokage asked Ido who was in her human form now. Flanking her was a worn out Ibiki and Yugao each having fought a fair bit during the day. They could rest later since finding Orochimaru was top priority."
"Nope. Between him and me we scoured the whole village. There's no trace of Orochimaru anywhere."
The aged Kage sighed, "At least he won't be a problem for a while."
"He won't but we have a much bigger problem." Ibiki frowned.
"I'm assuming you mean Danzo." The Third scowled.
"Yes. If what Itachi said was true and Danzo is headed for Grass with his ROOT, I doubt the village will survive the week." Ibiki scowled.
"Are these guys that dangerous?" Ido questioned.
"Yes. ROOT are Danzo's forces and they're trained to a level that rivals our ANBU. If they attack a small village like Grass, it won't survive."
"And once Grass has fallen, Danzo can and will invade Taki. As one of the few people who know where it is he can find it and destroy it. Once he does, we have a huge problem." Even if Danzo didn't align with Kumo and Iwa, the two villages could use this opportunity to attack and although they were in good shape, another battle so soon would be disastrous.
"So what do we do." Ido wondered.
"For now we rest, and hope Grass can hold off Danzo.
'What about the Sand Village." Yugao wondered.
"Orochimaru killed their Kage so they won't be a threat for a while." Ido reminded them.
"That little detail actually complicates things even more. The Sand doesn't have many options to replace their former Kage and their best would be a horrible decision given what happened." Ibiki replied.
"Who's there be-… no. It can't be. You're telling me that guy is their best option." Ido cursed.
"Who is Ido talking about?" Yugao wondered.
"Their best option is Baki of the Sand, the man who worked side by side with Orochimaru during the invasion." Ibiki revealed.
"As well as the guy who would've offed Hayate if I didn't help him." Ido finished.
"I… see." Yugao fumed. She was still very sour about the situation.
"The Third frowned because this was about as bad as it got. There was no easy solution and considering what could happen it would only get worse, "When one problem ends another begins. This is why war is such a problem." The Third frowned.
"Yep. So what do you want to do next." Ido wondered.
"Right now we must focus on getting everyone here back up to speed. We didn't lose much but-" The third paused because they heard a knock on the window. Almost as one, the group looked over and saw a black crow pecking at the window.
"That's!" Yugao gasped.
"Something wrong Neko." The Third said politely.
"That crow… I'm 90% certain that this crow belongs to somebody we all know very well."
"Who" Ibiki said with narrowed eyes.
"Itachi Uchiha." Yugao said with an ominous tone.
"What!" Ibiki frowned.
"Look at the Crow's left foot." Ido pointed out.
Everyone looked at the foot and saw that a piece of paper was tied there. Everyone turned towards the Hokage, "So… what do you want to do." Ibiki wondered.
Once again, the Third Hokage was in a very annoying spot. Should he accept the crow and see what Itachi has to say, or deny it, and be left wondering what else was going on? Itachi was technically one of their village greatest traitors, but he was also one of their most powerful shinobi before he left. What happened next could change the course of history for better or worse and he had to make a decision immediately.
That's it for Chapter 27 and this is getting fun. Sorry it's taken so long but a lot has happened. Sure I have other stories but inspiration is key to my writing and Naruto doesn't inspire me as much as before. Usually this is the part where I say what happens next but I don't want to spoil you guys too much. Let's just say things are about to get interesting.