DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (I WOULD TRADE A LEG AND AN ARM TO OWN IT THOUGH HAHA)
Ch.7 - Popping Pills
The chilling words reverberated through the air, "Say goodnight, boy!" The glint of Katashi's blade aimed directly at Naruto's chest sent shivers down the spines of all who witnessed the impending doom.
In a split second, as Katashi's lethal weapon descended upon Naruto, a sudden twist of fate intervened. Katashi swiftly pivoted, wielding his blade to slash at an incoming swarm of insects, skillfully summoned by Shino's mystical art.
"Hijutsu: Mushisenpu (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Whirlwind)," Shino declared, casting a jutsu that unleashed a torrent of insects, forming a whirlwind-like motion around Katashi. The insects relentlessly assailed him, draining his chakra and relentlessly pushing him back.
Unfazed by the swarm, Katashi bellowed, "You think a couple of bugs can stop me, boy?!" Infusing his blade with streaming chakra, he unleashed a devastating jutsu, reducing the insects to ash, leaving Shino astonished by his mastery of Hi Shinten no Jutsu (Fire Style: Flame Spread Technique).
Analyzing Katashi's moves, Shino discerned his understanding of fire techniques, correlating their intensity with the chakra he expended. With an unyielding composure, Shino remained undeterred by the incineration of his loyal insects. Katashi, grinning with triumph, inquired, "If you're here, then it means you dispatched of my brother then…"
Shino's response was as composed as his demeanor, "Your brother escaped moments ago."
"That coward... But it doesn't matter. I don't need that moron anyway," Katashi retorted dismissively, launching himself toward Shino. Realizing the peril of engaging Katashi directly, Shino evaded his attacks, strategically creating distance between them. With each evasive maneuver, he unleashed a relentless flurry of bug-infested assaults. Yet, Shino knew he could not sustain this assault for long, his chakra dissipating rapidly.
Noticing Shino's waning movements and flagging energy, Katashi taunted, "What's wrong, kid? Getting tired?" Undeterred, Shino continued to dodge and weave, his attacks growing sloppier as exhaustion took its toll.
In an attempt to obscure Shino's vision, Katashi threw a smoke bomb, engulfing the battlefield in a haze. Amidst the thick fog, Shino stood firm, panting heavily, as he summoned the last vestiges of his chakra to send out a swarm of insects to locate his elusive enemy. Sensing a chakra signature closing in from behind, Shino swiftly turned, kunai poised to strike, only to witness his opponent dissipate into smoke before his eyes. A momentary lapse in judgment allowed Katashi to seize the advantage, delivering a powerful kick to Shino's back, toppling him to the ground. Struggling to rise, Shino's efforts proved futile against his adversary's overwhelming strength.
Seizing Shino by the throat, Katashi lifted him effortlessly, his grip tightening around Shino's windpipe, constricting his breath. In a menacing tone, he uttered words dripping with disdain, "You should've stayed out of this, boy. You already won your battle. You could've fled on your own, but you didn't, and that's your mistake. I'll squash you like the bugs you control, kid," Katashi sneered, poised to snap Shino's neck.
"OI! I AIN'T FINISHED WITH YOU YET!" Naruto's thunderous yell echoed through the battleground.
"N-Naruto?" Ino groaned as she saw her blonde teammate struggling to stand once again.
"Begging for more, huh?" Katashi yelled as he pushed Shino aside. Katashi had underestimated the determination of these young ninja, thinking they posed no real threat.
"I guess I just don't know when to quit!" Naruto retorted.
"Admirable, but that will kill you in the end," Katashi remarked.
Naruto swiftly performed a series of hand seals, creating 20 copies of himself. "I'm getting sick of your jutsu, boy!" Katashi shouted.
"Ino! Take Shino with you! I'll buy you guys some time!" Naruto exclaimed. Ino interjected, concerned for Naruto's well-being.
"JUST GO!" Naruto insisted.
Reluctantly, Ino hurried to help Shino escape while Katashi pursued them. Naruto stepped forward, determined to face Katashi head-on.
"You'll have to go through me first!" Naruto declared boldly.
Gritting his teeth, Katashi swung his weapon, and their blades clashed once more. The force of Katashi's swing sent vibrations into Naruto's arm, causing numbness to spread.
"When will you learn to stay down?!" Katashi growled.
"Never!" Naruto yelled defiantly.
Naruto swiftly dashed backward, creating more clones to overwhelm Katashi. "Taju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique)," Naruto roared as his clones began to charge at Katashi.
"Bring it on!" Katashi growled as he unleashed his fury on Naruto's clones, one by one dispelling them. The prolonged fight had taken its toll on Katashi, and the effects of the 2nd enhancement pill he had consumed were wearing off.
Looking around, Katashi realized Naruto had vanished from sight. He also couldn't locate his elder brother. "They probably took their fight elsewhere," Katashi speculated, continuing his search. Just as he thought Naruto had escaped, the ground cracked beneath him, and a clone of Naruto burst through, delivering an uppercut that sent him flying into the air.
Katashi's body ached, and he struggled to catch his breath. His earlier confidence had been shattered by Naruto's relentless determination and unexpected power. As he reached for his last and final enhancement pill, a mix of desperation and determination filled his eyes.
Meanwhile, the real Naruto stood on the ground and announced, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu: Rakkasan! (Shadow Clone Technique: Parachute)." He created four clones around him and jumped up, using his clones as a springboard to launch himself into the air.
"I can't let it end like this," Katashi muttered under his breath. He knew that taking the pill came with risks and side effects, but he believed it was his only chance to turn the tide of battle. But before he could so, Naruto reached the same height as Katashi, he waited for him to descend and initiated a taijutsu move. "Bunshin Kaiten Kakato Otoshi! (Clone Spinning Heel Drop)." Naruto created two more clones to join him in a devastating combo attack.
Spinning in the air, Naruto and his clones delivered powerful heel kicks. The clones aimed for Katashi's shoulders while Naruto targeted his head. The impact of their strikes sent Katashi hurtling towards the ground, creating a massive crater and raising a cloud of dust.
Naruto landed safely on the ground but struggled to stand, his knees buckling under the weight of exhaustion and the injuries inflicted by Katashi. His heart raced, fueled by adrenaline coursing through his veins.
Summoning the last of his strength, Naruto approached the crater to find Katashi lying motionless, clutching an enhancement pill in his hand.
"I-I did it? I DID IT, DATTE-" Naruto's celebration was abruptly cut short as he collapsed, succumbing to extreme exhaustion and the severe beating he had endured. Victorious but battered, Naruto lay on the ground, covered in cuts and bruises,
- With Asuma -
(This part took place when Naruto was facing Katashi all on his own)
"Seems like I have to step up my game then. It appears that the basic shit won't cut it with you" Asuma said to Tadashi. Their battle has been going on for too long, sure Asuma could go all out if he wanted to but he wanted to gauge his opponent's skill first before doing so. By any means, Asuma wasn't belittling his foe because he did not want to reveal all his cards to his enemy as that would be foolish. Plus he still doesn't know the full capabilities of the pills Tadashi has at his disposal.
Asuma tightened his grip on his trench knives, it then began to glow with a bluish aura. It also started to vibrate as Asuma channeled his chakra into his blades.
"Getting serious now, are we? Let's dance" he taunted Asuma as he ingested another pill. Asuma really wanted to finish this fight as soon as possible, not knowing if his students were still safe was killing him on the inside.
He didn't respond to Tadashi's taunt but instead rushed forward, now this time he was on the offensive. It's his turn to set the tempo, he began by closing the distance between him and Tadashi. His opponent was barely able to react, it was as if he was far away for a moment then a second later he was right up at his face.
Tadashi tried to block Asuma's attack but he was too late, Asuma delivered three quick right jabs to Tadashi's face followed by a strong punch to the back of his skull causing him to lower his head against his own will. He quickly continued his combo by slashing Tadashi left and right. Once he was finished slicing and dicing Tadashi, he uppercut him thus lifting him up to the ground. And while Tadashi was in mid-air, Asuma jumped up and spun around to add more momentum to his punch. Once his attack connected, it sent Tadashi sliding across the ground.
Once Tadashi stopped stumbling, he quickly got up to his feet in order to defend himself. But Asuma didn't stop there as he vanished from his sight and reappeared behind him, "CRAP! HE'S FAST!" he thought to himself. He was then pulled out of his thoughts as Asuma grabbed his arm and lifted him over his back thus throwing him to the ground.
Asuma's throw had enough force to make him bounce off the earth, he spun around to add momentum to his punch once again. Tadashi was sent flying to the cliff's wall. The impact cracked the rocks reminiscent of a spider's web.
Tadashi groaned as he coughed up some blood, he attempted to get back up with all his strength no matter how shaky his legs were. He was panting like crazy, he didn't expect him to be that fast. Even with the effects of the enhancement pill he ingested, he still wasn't able to quickly react.
"Give up now and you'll be able to live another day, seems to me you and your brothers aren't just some lowly bandits. Tell me, are you three missing-nins?" Asuma asked sternly.
Tadashi spat out blood onto the ground, "What's it to you pal?" Tadashi asked snarkily
"With the way you fight as well as the tools you got, it all screams "I'm a missing-nin!" to me. If you're a bandit, that would be a simpler scenario. Though I have a strong feeling you three are indeed runaway shinobi" Asuma explained.
"THERE'S NO WAY I'M COMING WITH YOU! OR GO TO THE SLAMMER FOR THAT MATTER!" Tadashi yelled frantically. He knew he was done for, the pill he took before receiving a beating was essentially a waste. The chakra it gave him was instead used to keep his body functioning when it should have given up after Asuma blitzed him. And he was on his last enhancement pill since he gave the others to his brothers. The only thing is that the last pill he's got at his disposal was a prototype. A prototype that was more potent than the ones he consumed before. He knew this would certainly give him more strength but other than that, he knew nothing. Not even if it was safe to use.
Without any hesitation, he took the pill and gulped it immediately. Tadashi felt immense power enter his body, he felt like he had the strength of a dozen shinobi. Not only that but his body began to change and contort. His muscles began to increase in size, making him bulkier than he already is. "YES… YES… I CAN FEEL THE POWER THROUGHOUT MY BODY!" he grinned in satisfaction.
The urgency to end the battle engulfed Asuma as he channeled an increased amount of wind chakra into his blades, heightening their reach and sharpness. But before he could launch his offensive, Tadashi disappeared in a blur, reappearing beside him with a spinning kick. Asuma, relying on his honed skills as a shinobi, managed to block the attack, yet the weight behind Tadashi's blow left a lingering numbness in his arms, an uncommon sensation he rarely experienced.
Seizing the opportunity, Tadashi swiftly aimed a slash at Asuma with his tsurugi. Asuma, his hands occupied with his knives, couldn't attempt a defense. Reacting swiftly, he executed the Kawarimi (Body Replacement Technique), swapping himself with a nearby log. Tadashi's blade sliced through the wooden decoy with ease, sending shards scattering through the air.
Sensing an approaching presence from behind at breakneck speed, Tadashi turned, clasping Asuma in his grip like a spider snaring its prey. A grunt escaped Asuma as Tadashi slammed him to the ground and forcefully kicked him into the very same wall that had previously sent him flying. "HOW DOES THAT FEEL, HUH?! HURTS, DOESN'T IT?!" Tadashi growled in anger.
Asuma endured the searing pain, gradually rising to his feet, refusing to remain grounded any longer. As he regained his stance, he tightened his grip on his blades, infusing them with wind chakra to further enhance their sharpness and range. Once more, he vanished from Tadashi's sight, a calculated maneuver to catch his opponent off guard. "The same trick won't work on me, you idiot," Tadashi sneered.
Tadashi sensed a surge of chakra coming from above and instinctively swung his sword in a wide arc. But instead of blood spilling from Asuma's body, it transformed into a mere puff of smoke. "WHAT THE-" Tadashi's exclamation was abruptly cut off.
"Kanashibari no Jutsu (Temporary Paralysis Technique)/Katon: Haisenkisho (Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning)," Asuma and his clone declared in unison. While Asuma's clone immobilized Tadashi with temporary paralysis, the original Asuma unleashed a fiery jutsu.
A stream of chakra-infused gunpowder surged forth from Asuma's mouth, engulfing Tadashi completely. Once the gunpowder encased him, Asuma ignited the explosive mixture by striking a flint between his teeth, resulting in a massive explosion.
A swirling maelstrom of dust and dirt filled the battlefield, leaving behind scorched earth and billowing smoke. Asuma cautiously awaited the outcome, hoping that his tactic had been successful. As the haze dispersed, he beheld Tadashi, still standing remarkably intact despite the devastating blast. It seemed that the pill had granted him heightened resilience and resistance to explosive attacks. However, something appeared amiss about Tadashi's posture as he stood motionless.
Maintaining his guard, Asuma's vigilance was rewarded when Tadashi's body suddenly pitched forward, crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. Sighing with relief, Asuma knew that the arduous fight had finally reached its conclusion. However, his brief respite was cut short as his thoughts turned to his three students.
Acting swiftly, Asuma retrieved a sealing scroll and promptly sealed Tadashi's lifeless body within it. It was protocol to collect the remains of a nukenin in the event of their demise. Wasting no time, he completed the sealing process
- At Konoha's Hospital -
In the dimly lit room, the muffled voices of two men conversing reached Naruto's ears. Struggling to make out the words, he strained to listen.
"Apparently, they were nukenin, and they had some sort of soldier pill."
"Did you manage to retrieve any?"
"Yes, it's in the scroll I gave you earlier."
"Very well. Is there anything else I should know?"
"It seems that his tenant aided in his healing, otosan."
"I see... I see... Did he display any other concerning signs?"
"I'm not sure. I wasn't there when it happened."
"Understood. I will handle this and contact one of my students."
As Naruto gradually regained consciousness, he found himself in a pristine white room, with his sensei and the Hokage standing nearby. As his vision cleared, he recognized them. However, before he could speak, concern for his teammates overwhelmed him.
"Where's Ino and Shino?! Are they alright?!" Naruto's voice trembled with panic.
"Calm down, Naruto. They're fine. Take it easy. If anything, you should be concerned about yourself. You did well, Naruto, so don't worry," Asuma reassured him, trying to alleviate his fears.
The door swung open, revealing a shinobi who addressed the Hokage. "I will be going now. I have other matters to attend to. Get well, Naruto-kun, and congratulations on succeeding in your first battle," Hiruzen said, offering Naruto a warm smile before departing, leaving Naruto and Asuma alone.
However, instead of feeling elation, Naruto experienced a sense of disappointment. Asuma, keenly observing his student, inquired about his troubled state. "What's the matter?" he asked.
Naruto's voice was tinged with self-deprecation as he berated himself. "It's just... I wasn't strong enough. We almost got killed out there. It's probably a miracle or a fluke that all three of us survived. If I had been stronger, this wouldn't have happened," Naruto expressed his feelings of weakness and inadequacy.
Asuma's gaze softened, and he offered Naruto words of wisdom. "If you believe you're weak, then strive to become stronger. There's no benefit in belittling yourself—it will only weaken you further. The only path forward is to keep moving, to grow stronger each and every day, to protect those you value. So don't speak of yourself like that, Naruto. You did well in that battle, and I'm proud of you. Rest now. I have other obligations to attend to," Asuma comforted Naruto, gently patting his shoulder.
Left alone in the room, Naruto absorbed Asuma's words, allowing them to replace his doubts and disappointment with determination and renewed vigor.
- Somewhere In The Wilderness: North of Konohagakure -
Takeshi raced through the dense, impenetrable darkness of the woods. Fear coursed through his veins, propelling him forward, despite the knowledge that his siblings might still be alive. He couldn't bear the thought of facing them and the potential consequences of abandoning them.
The distant rumble of thunder echoed through the air, accompanied by the relentless downpour that transformed the ground into a treacherous, muddy terrain. Each step became a precarious gamble, but Takeshi pushed on, desperately searching for shelter to shield himself from the storm. The open wilderness offered no respite or refuge.
His breath came in ragged gasps as exhaustion began to take its toll. In his haste, Takeshi's foot caught on a hidden root, causing him to stumble and plunge headlong into a deep hole. Fortunately, his fall was broken by something solid, but the stickiness of the surface trapped him, rendering his attempts to escape futile.
As Takeshi wriggled and struggled, his heart sank when eight ominous, glowing red eyes appeared before him, accompanied by a chorus of menacing snarls. A flash of lightning briefly illuminated the creature lurking in the shadows—a grotesque amalgamation of a spider and a wolf.
The monstrous hybrid bared its razor-sharp fangs, growling with anticipation. Takeshi's attempts to scream were in vain, his voice lost in the tumultuous storm. The despair of his impending doom washed over him, amplified by the rain that drowned out any hope of rescue. He was trapped, ensnared in the web, destined to become the creature's nocturnal feast.
(A/N: And that ends this chapter yay! I got a review saying I was bashing Kishimoto, but far from it. I like the guy, he gave us Naruto which was part of my childhood. If I sounded like I was shitting on him, I am not and I apologize for that. I love Naruto the way it is but it wouldn't hurt to explore and try different things. Anyway, I hope you guys still like this story so far, show me some love and perhaps a little bit of RnR, and yeah. I did notice that chapter 5 had fewer visitors than chapter 6 which confused me but oh well. Take care yall and cheers! ^^)