Helllllloooooooo, everyone! Badbutt94 here with a new update after being gone for so long. I am so sorry for leaving you guys in suspense from the last chapter. A lot of unsuspected things have happened since the update and I had to do some readjusting. Anyway, I hope you guys get a chance to enjoy this chapter as an apology for being MIA. I still love you guys and want to thank each and every one of you for your continued love and support! You guys are the best!
P.S.: I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to post this chapter after I responded to you guys. I've been trying to juggle work, school and other important life things, so it might take me longer to complete this story than anticipated. But, I promise to finish it none the less.
Reviewer Shout Out: Reader (Guest), Madalyn Bara Cooper, I-Love-Trunks1, inuyasha16451, Belletrist Word Salad, KaraChica, and Tauries4597. I love you guys and am really to have your support.
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Chapter 38: The Nara's Graveyard
Normal P.O.V.
"You just had to move your piece right there, ya?"
"Hn. You're losing your touch, Sensei," Shikamaru chuckles with his chin resting on his fist.
"Hey, what did I say about sassing your elders?"
"Don't know. Must've been another one of your lectures I slept through,"
"Hn. Smart ass," Asuma chuckles as he places another piece onto the board.
The two continue to play in silence until Asuma starts a conversation.
"I take it you heard about Naruto and Sasuke's recent victory?"
"Yeah. I guess they ended up defeating that blond Akatsuki member. The one super obsessed with art, I think?"
"It's nice to see us making headway in this supposed upcoming war,"
"Yeah. Hopefully we'll be able to avoid a war all together if we keep destroying their numbers. I hate to admit it, but it's nice having Sasuke on our side this time. He's one hell of an ally,"
"Well, you knew Uchiha was always talented. Hell, he even rivaled you in the academy,"
"I guess you're right. Well, at least if we do go to war, then you'll be front and center,"
"You know it. I'm tired of sitting around. I only have two more weeks before Lady Tsunade can, hopefully, clear me,"
"Ino and Choji are definitely excited,"
"And you aren't?" Asuma teases with an eyebrow raised.
"It'll be nice having the old team back together. I do miss Ino bossing us around from time to time,"
"She'll make a great leader someday. Her genin team will definitely be one of the best if she has anything to say about it,"
Both of them continue to laugh; the game long forgotten by now. Only the comforting feeling of each other's company fills the room. Soon, their laughter dies down and only smiles are left.
"Shikamaru, the next time you see Naruto, make sure you tell him to stop by. I want to thank him for saving my life,"
"I will. I think we're all indebted to that knucklehead. Who knew he would become so powerful?"
"Are you shocked? That boy's determination unlike anything I've seen. And that's saying something compared to Might Guy and Lee,"
"Yeah. He's the only person who we all believe will achieve his goal of becoming Hokage someday,"
"He'll be a great leader. I think you would too,"
"Me? What makes you think I'd ever want the dull job of becoming Hokage?"
"Not Hokage," Asuma starts as he leans back and folds his arms, "but his advisor maybe. You can keep him inline and focused. Plus, it'll be the perfect position to keep that big brain of yours occupied,"
"Hn. Guess I never thought of is that way," Shikamaru says as he leans forward onto his arms, "I mean, I never really gave much thought to what I wanted to do after all of this. I know I don't want to be a team leader. I don't think I'll be able to handle kids outside of my own. But, I know I would need to do something or risk going stir crazy,"
"It should definitely be something to consider in the future,"
"I guess. So, have you given up for the day? Or would you like to give me another win?"
"Shut up and reset the board, young one. I'm not done with you yet,"
"Asuma, Shikamaru?!" Kurenai calls from the hallway.
"We're in here, dear!"
A few moments later, Kurenai pops her head through the sliding doors with a smile.
"I should have known you two were in here. You two have a visitor,"
The two brunettes give confused looks as they watch Kurenai step aside and a familiar, young fox steps into the room.
"Naruto? What are you doing here?" Shikamaru asks in shock and excitement.
"Just stopped by for a small visit," Naruto smiles as he scratches the back of his head before turning to Asuma. "How are you feeling, Asuma-sensei?"
"Right as rain. It's good to see your smiling face. We were just talking about you," Asuma says while standing and walking towards Naruto.
"All good things, I hope,"
"Yes. But, most importantly, I was talking about needing to thank you for saving my life,"
"Oh, it was nothing. I'm just glad I made it in time,"
"Well, I'm indebted to you. I wouldn't be here and wouldn't be able to see my daughter or wife without you. I truly owe you my life,"
Both Naruto and Asuma share large smiles between them while Shikamaru stands in the background. The sense of warmth spreads through the room as wide as their smiles. But, the moment had to end for Naruto's true reason for his visit.
"Actually, I do have another reason for my visit,"
"Oh, what is it, Naruto?" Asuma asks.
"I need to speak with Shikamaru… alone,"
"Me? What for?" Shikamaru asks.
"It's about a mission,"
"A mission, huh? Must be something serious. Fine, I guess. Asuma-sensei, do you mind if we talk in the next room?"
"No, of course not. Be my guess,"
Both boys exit the room to enter the next room. Unknown to them, Asuma is listening on the other side of the wall,"
"So, what's up, Naruto?" Shikamaru asks while closing the door.
"You know how we've been trying to take out the Akatsuki one by one, right?" Shikamaru nods at Naruto's statement, "Well, we've gotten word that the next Akatsuki member closest by is Hidan,"
"Hidan?!" the deer boy silently shouts before looking around with a serious face, "Are you sure?"
Naruto nods, "Yeah. The scouts say that they spotted him close to the village and heading our way earlier this morning,"
"Hn. Troublesome," Shikamaru sighs while running a hand through his hair, "Alright, what's the plan?"
"Well, so far, Grandma Tsunade wants Sasuke and me to take out the members to prevent too many casualties, so of course the two of us will handle him. But, I thought this would be more suited if we had you this time,"
"Me? Why would you want me to come along?"
"Well, I figured you would want to get revenge on the person who tried to kill your sensei. How about we teach him a lesson about messing with the Leaf Village," Naruto says, standing proud and with his fist extended.
Still trying to take in the news, Shikamaru shakes his head before smirking back, "Let's do this," he says going for the fist bump. But, right before their fists could touch, Asuma busts through the door,
"Let me come with you too,"
The two shinobi turn to the older monkey in both shock and pity.
"Asuma-sensei. You know~"
"Don't finish that sentence, Naruto. Please… just let me come with you…"
Both Naruto and Shikamaru look towards each other before turning back to their sensei.
"Asuma-sensei, with all due respect, we can't allow you to go on this mission,"
"Naruto's right. You haven't even been cleared by Lady Tsunade yet. And, even if she does clear you, she won't deem you ready to go against the Akatsuki again without risking your life; especially if we go against the same one who almost killed you," Shikamaru says while leaning against a nearby wall and his arms crossing over his chest.
"I don't care! You two know how much I need this! I almost died because of that religious nut! You of all people know how important this is to me, Shikamaru!" Asuma yells.
"More important than your unborn daughter?!" Shikamaru shouts back, making Asuma stop in his tracks.
"How do you~"
"Kurenai told me back when we were in the hospital immediately after the mission. She had known right before we left. She had thought, with your child on the way and because of your recovery, that you had put this revenge behind you. And frankly, I did too,"
This causes Asuma to sink to the floor and shake. He uses his hands to steady himself before finally falling against the door. Uncomfortable by the tension, Naruto moves to sit besides Asuma with his right arm resting on his right, bent knee.
"It may not look it, but I know more about revenge than you can imagine. With everything I went through to bring Sasuke back her and when it came to learn the truth about myself, there are a lot of people that I want revenge against. However, I know that sometimes revenge isn't always what's important. And, I think that's what Shikamaru is trying to say to you. I agree with him. With you having a family and knowing that you're alive seems to be more important than revenge; especially when Hidan knows that you're still alive and possibly looking for you. If you did fight against him again, then I know for a fact, he would make sure that you're dead this time around. Is that something you would rather risk instead of the chance to raise your daughter? Seems pretty stupid to me," Naruto finishes.
He waits for a while to see if the tension disappears. When it doesn't but lessens, Naruto stands up and turns towards the door with his back to the two of them.
"Shikamaru, if you choose to accept the offer, then meet me in Grandma Tsunade's office in an hour. I hope to see you there. And, Asuma-sensei… congratulations on your daughter,"
Moments passed after Naruto left the two sitting in their thoughts. Not being able to take the silence anymore, Shikamaru walks towards the door.
"So… you're going after all?"
Asuma's words stop the deer's movements. The tension makes Shikamaru's antlers tingle with anxiety.
Without moving, Shikamaru answers his sensei, "Yes… But, I'm not going just for you…". Asuma raises his head to look at his student in confusion, making Shikamaru continue, "You aren't the only one who wants revenge on that son of a bitch. When we were in the hospital and you were fighting for your life, I let that fucker get in my head and I hated myself for it. This is the second time that I've been apart of a team and my people almost died. I… almost lost you… I couldn't protect you… I wasn't smart enough to get us out of that mess… Izumo, Kotetsu, Ino, Choji, myself, and you… None of us would be here if Naruto and his team came to save us. I felt pathetic, worthless, less of a leader… less of a man… I almost let him take everything from me. I want revenge against him more than anyone. And, especially since you can't come with me," Shikamaru turns towards his sensei with a light, encouraging smile, "I'll get revenge against him… for the both of us,"
Asuma returns the smile before standing. The two stands in front of each other with light smiles and silence nods. The words "go get 'em" ring loud between the two of them. The lightened feeling surrounds and comforts them. And, with Asuma's blessing, Shikamaru leaves the room to prepare for their revenge.
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Inside Lady Tsunade's office stands Sasuke, Naruto, and Shikamaru while they go over the plans.
"You guys know what to do?" Lady Tsunade asks while leaning back in her chair. The three men nod, and she returns it, "good, now Naruto since you have never really fought against this member, let Sasuke and Shikamaru take the lead here. They'll be able to form a plan that will prove successful,"
"Got any advice on how to kill this bastard, Uchiha?" Shikamaru asks with his hands in his pockets.
"Only that he can't be killed and that he's a religious nut,"
"What the hell do you mean he can't be killed?!" Naruto shouts.
"Exactly what I said, dobe. He can't be killed. He made some kind of deal with his "god", I guess, that made him immortal. That's why he was the perfect partner for Kakuzu when he became enraged. With Hidan's smart mouth, Kakuzu would always get pissed off and cut him into little pieces. But every time that happens, Hidan would just reassemble himself and laugh. An annoying but useful trait. So, as I have stated before, the bastard can't be killed,"
"Oh ok. So, how does that help us?" Naruto asks while scratching his right ear.
"Hn, you're a genius, Uchiha," Shikamaru smirks while grabbing a scroll.
"Of course, you get it, Shika. Now explain it to me,"
"What Sasuke was saying made sense and confirmed my theory. During our fight, just like Sasuke said, we would cut this guy apart, but Kakuzu would just help him reassemble. Since he's immortal, even with his body disassembled, then we'll just have to separate him and keep him that way. It's the only way we'll be able to defeat him. Plus, I know the perfect place for his final resting place. All I need you guys to do is lead him there and help me rip him apart,"
"Well, sounds like Shikamaru has this all figured out. Sasuke, Naruto, you guys know what to do. Now go out and tear him apart!" Tsunade cheers. The three nods before leaving through the secret tunnels.
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The three make their way to through the underground tunnels; the thick feeling of tension feeling the air.
"Shikamaru, are you alright?" Naruto asks from his middle position.
"Yeah, just thinking," he answers, leading the trio, with a sigh.
"Are you worried about seeing Hidan again?"
"No… Well, maybe a little bit,"
"Makes sense. From what I heard, he almost annihilated your entire team," Sasuke says from his back position.
"Yeah, and that day still haunts me. Seriously, Naruto, I don't think any of us would have made it out alive had you not saved us,"
"It's nothing. I know all of you would have done the same for me and my team," the blond fox smiles in the darken tunnel.
"So, what are the details of your plan? Or do you not want us to know just yet?" Sasuke asks.
"There's nothing extravagant about my plan. As you said before, Hidan may be immortal, but he can take damage and feel pain. Our goal: separate his body and allow me to finish him off,"
"How do you plan to do that? I mean, yeah the guy can be harmed and separated, but how are you going to make sure he stays that way?" Naruto questions.
"Oh, don't worry about that. I had planned his perfect burial site since our last encounter. Trust me when I say, there isn't a more perfect place for his grave than where I have planned," the brunette deer smirks, sending a slight chill down his comrades' spines.
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"Do you see him?" Shikamaru asks from his position within the trees.
"Not yet," Sasuke answers with his Sharingan activated.
"Damn, where is he? The coordinates Granny Tsunade gave said he should have been here by now,"
"Be patient, Naruto. He'll be here," Shikamaru says.
"There he is!" Sasuke whispers loudly while pointing downward.
Shikamaru and Naruto lean forward to see a carefree Hidan coming their way; swinging his scythe freely.
"Alright guys get ready. Naruto, would you do the honors?"
Naruto nods before retrieving a kunai from his pouch. He allows for his iris to slight and waits for Hidan to get close enough. When the white-haired lizard is close enough, Naruto throws the kunai at his feet. Sensing the attack, Hidan jumps out of the way and quickly looks around.
"Who's there? Show yourself, you fuckin' coward!"
"Now Sasuke," Shikamaru commands.
Without hesitation, the raven feline gracefully lands on the ground in front of their opponent.
"Oh boy. Lookie, lookie what we have here. If it isn't Little Sasuke Uchiha: Itachi's murderer. What are you doing way out here? What, killing your brother didn't satisfy your bloodlust?" Hidan mocks while casually leaning on his scythe.
"I see you haven't lost your annoying personality. Must be boring without your partner around to keep you in line,"
Hidan tsks, "Please. No one was going to miss that stitched-together puppet. But, I'm more interested to know why your candied ass is all the way out here anyway. Feeling a little homesick, are we?" Sasuke glares in silence, "Or maybe… someone misses his precious blond Jinchūriki? Is that it? Want him to fuck you once before you have to bring him in? Wanting to fulfill some dark desire before we have to kill him and extract the Nine-Tails?"
"You talk too much," Sasuke growls with his hand on him sword's hilt.
"Hey, I'm not the one with the kink,"
"No…" from the hilt of his sword, Sasuke releases small amounts of lightening to surround his blade, "But you're going to be headless when I'm through with you,"
Lightening shoots from the tip of Sasuke's blade towards his opponent. The hornet hisses and curses while side stepping each mini attack.
"Hey! What where you're pointing that thing! I thought we were on the same fuckin team!"
"I was never on your team," the raven feline growls as he continues to provoke.
"Ok, that's it! I've never liked you anyway, so killing you will be all the sweeter," Hidan readies his scythe for an attack, "Get ready. I'm coming!"
Hidan rushes towards Sasuke at full speed. The raven readies his sword. The two clashes with their blades locked in battle with one another. Neither letting up on their stances. To break their hold, Hidan adds more pressure until Sasuke's knees buckle. Seeing this as an opportunity, Hidan swings his blade, aiming for Sasuke's torso. Thinking quickly, pale hands preform the needed hand signs for the Substitution Jutsu. Cursing at the success of the Substitution Jutsu, Hidan looks around in frustration.
"Fuckin coward! Show yourself!"
"Right here, pal!" Naruto yells as he jumps down from the tree branch.
"What the~"
As he lands, Naruto brings both his fists down on top of his opponent's head. While the hornet is stunned, Naruto brings up his right knee and aims it at his nose. Still stunned and focusing on his throbbing head and blooded nose, Hidan was not ready for the fox's assault. With quick hand signs, Naruto summons his Shadow Clones and starts attacking his opponent. Several of the colons throw punches, jabs, and kicks to complete an old favorite combo.
"Nar-u-to Uzumaki Barrage!"
"Fuck!" Hidan cusses as he lands onto the ground. "Why!"
Naruto dismisses his clones and stands proudly near his injured opponent.
"Hn. Didn't know you liked to steal other people's attacks," Sasuke smirks as he stands next to his alpha.
"Please, you stole it from Bushy Brow in the Chunin Exams,"
The two chuckle until they hear their opponent's annoyed grunt. "Will you two love birds give it a rest already?!" Hidan continues to grunt while using his scythe to stand, "Man, both of you are so fuckin annoying,"
"Get ready Sasuke,"
"Be careful. Don't let his scythe touch you,"
"Right,"
"Just when I thought you couldn't be anymore of a failure. And now you've rejoined with your old teammate to try and take me down? What a pair of losers," the two ready themselves while Hidan dusts himself off, "Doesn't matter. In case you forgot, I'm fuckin immortal. I can't die. So, whatever plan you two came up with, I hope it's worth it to know that both of you will die here!"
Hidan runs towards them with his scythe ready. From the tree branch, Shikamaru makes his hand signs and watches their shadows closely. When Hidan is close enough, Shikamaru releases his shadow. Unaware of the oncoming attack, Hidan continues running towards his opponents until the shadow catches him.
"What the hell?!" Hidan looks down to see an extended shadow attached to his. "You've got to be shitting me! It can't be! You can't be here!"
Smirking, Shikamaru jumps down to face the hornet, "Surprised to see me? I'm flattered you remembered,"
"I thought Kakuzu took care of you and that sensei of yours,"
"No. In fact, my alive sensei wanted me to send you a message," Shikamaru raises his arm and forces to Hidan to drop his scythe. "Now than, let's go for a little walk. Naruto, Sasuke, stay close and wait for my signal,"
"You think the three of you can defeat me?! An immortal!"
"You may be immortal, but you're not undefeatable," Shikamaru answers coolly. Hidan's eyes widen, causing Shikamaru to smirk widely, "I see you're worried about what I have in store for you. Well then, let's not keep you waiting,"
Shikamaru turns around and takes off towards, what will be Hidan's final resting place.
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After several moments, Shikamaru leads Hidan into a darkened forest. Inside the forest, Shikamaru leads the hornet towards the center where wired tied kunais have paper booms attached to them surrounding them.
"What is this place?" Hidan asks.
"This place will be your final resting place,"
"Or will it be yours?" Hidan smirks as he looks at the deer's shaky legs. "I see your body shaking. From what I recall, you can only hold this jutsu for a small window. And, it looks like your time is up," Just as he said, Shikamaru's shadow releases from him, freeing Hidan to attack. "That's much better. Now," from his cloak, Hidan summons his black, retractable spear. "let's have some real fun,"
Hidan rushes towards the deer. Shikamaru readies himself with a kunai in his hand. The two clashes. Shikamaru holds his own against the aggressive attacker. Hidan let's up just enough to throw Shikamaru off balance before punching him in the face. Gasping, the deer was not ready for the unsought of attacks Hidan delivered. The hornet punches, kicks, and tries to stab his opponent. Shikamaru does everything he can to try and block the attacks. No matter what, he couldn't let Hidan get his blood or summon the ritual.
The unsought continues until Hidan gets in one good attack. While Shikamaru dodges and defends, Hidan finds an opening, and brings his spear down. Shikamaru doesn't move out of the way and takes the graze on his cheek.
"Fool! I've got you now!"
"No, I've got you,"
"What?!" Hidan gasps as he tries to move his body. Looking down, Hidan realizes that he was trapped in Shikamaru's shadow gripping onto his body. "But, how?! How did you do this?!"
"Sometimes, you have to take a hit to win the war,"
Confused by this, Hidan gives it some thought before realizing what happened, "You let yourself be cut?! How fucking stupid are you?!"
"I admit, it wasn't the best plan, especially with you as my opponent. But, it was the only way I could catch you off guard enough to capture you,"
"And if it had failed and I could perform the ritual?"
"Then I would have went to Plan B. Now then, I think it's time we end this, eh?"
Shikamaru whistles into the forest's air. After a few moments, adult deer and does appear from behind the trees.
"Just what in the holy fuck is this place?"
"This is the Nara Clan's Forest. Only members of my clan are permitted to enter here. That is why I have chosen this place as your final resting place. Like I said, you may be immortal, but you aren't undefeatable. I'm going to bury you here, but don't worry, my clan will keep you company the rest of your days. So, goodbye Hidan. Can't say it's been a pleasure. Enjoy your time in Hell,"
And with that, Shikamaru closed his hands, causing the wires surrounding them to attach to Hidan's body. When this is finished, Shikamaru releases his shadow's hold. With another kunai, Shikamaru aims it at a circle off to the side of Hidan's hanging body. This opens the ground below to reveal a hole at least 20 feet dep. With determination in his eyes, the deer removes Asuma's lighter and holds it up.
"With this lighter, I'm sending you to Hell with the Will of Fire!"
Shikamaru lights one of the wires and watches as it ignites all of the paper booms and blows Hidan's body into pieces. They fall into the hole below, laying scattered around his severed head.
"I'll make you pay for this! I promise that when I get out of here~"
"You're never getting out," Shikamaru says as he reveals another kunai with a paper boom attached. He aims it at the edge of the hole as watches as the boom goes off, "Hope you enjoy eternal solitude,"
"I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS, YOU BASTARD!" Hidan screams as the above ground buries him.
Putting the lighter back in his pocket, Shikamaru turns and walks away. The muffled sound of an angry Hidan still echoes from under the collapsed rubble.
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Shikamaru exits the forest to meet up with Naruto and Sasuke.
"You were successful than?" Sasuke asks.
Shikamaru nods, "Yeah, he won't be going anywhere any time soon,"
"You know, it's kind of sadistic to bury your opponent within your clan's forest," Naruto chuckles.
"I thought it was fitting, especially with everything he put my team and me through,"
Naruto nods before the trio walks towards the village.
"You know, Nara, there's something about this plan I don't understand," Sasuke starts, "If you already had everything planned out, why did you need Naruto or me at all?"
"Well, without your knowledge, Sasuke, I wouldn't have been able to fully plan out my revenge. And, thanks to the both of you, I was able to distract him enough to catch him off guard and defeat him. You may not feel it, but you two played an important role in all of this,"
"Well, glad we could help! And now you get to tell Asuma-sensei that you defeated Hidan," Naruto smiles.
That happy realization says with Shikamaru until they reached the Hidden Leaf.
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After they reported in with Tsunade, the trio went they separate ways. Naruto escorted Sasuke back to his cell while Shikamaru paid a surprise visit to his sensei. Shikamaru is about to knock on the door when Asuma flings it open, panting. The older male monkey looks at his student with slight worry and excitement. Without a word, Shikamaru hands Asuma his lighter with a small smile. Taking this as proof of their victory, Asuma tightly embraces his student with joyous tears in his eyes. Behind them, Kurenai allows the two to share their moment, uninterrupted, with a bright smile and tears rolling down her cheeks. Nothing needed to be said between the two of them. All that was needed for them is to fall apart in this joyous moment. For long moments, the two embrace reach other into the setting sun.