(Chapter 37: The Shattering of Stone)
The end of November would soon begin to bleed into winter as the Serpent Sannin's forces prepared and readied themselves for their upcoming invasion and decimation of Iwagakure. Something that was hailed as a momentous occasion for those within the Hidden Village who had long awaited for their opportunity to show their strength, and topple one of the 5 great Hidden Villages from their throne as one of the major powers of the world.
(Otogakure, 2:10 Pm, November 30th, 997 S.E)
It would be the end of the month as a fuming Tayuya was being denied by Sakon and Ukon her going to Iwagakure for their upcoming siege of the sundered village, after she had been caught trying to muscle her way into it.
"Honestly, Tayuya, as someone who was one of the smartest on our team…At least, before Isane came along made you look like hot garbage. I had figured that you would've known better than to pull a stunt like this." Sakon said in derision of Tayuya who was bound in chains and chakra suppression seals
"Using any genjutsu against fellow Oto citizens and shinobi is expressing forbidden. Even more so when you used it to try and force your way into the siege in a few days time. Do you have any idea how many months of planning you could have cost us? Not only that, but the fact that this amounts to not only high treason but execution on top of that…Normally, I wouldn't even have this conversation, but for YOU…You definitely take the cake for being queen jackass!" Sakon added
"If anything we should give her an award for having the balls and stupidity to try and pull something like this off. Honestly, I'm just glad we caught this before Kabuto did. Because this is just fucking funny." Ukon said struggling not to laugh over the idiocy of Tayuya's ploy
"So the both of us have to know before this goes to Lord Orochimaru, Kabuto, Kimimaro. Just why did you think this idea would even work, or better yet why did you think you could get away with this?" Sakon inquired having to know why Tayuya thought she could do this and not face conseuqences
"It is because I deserve to be on the siege more than anyone else! More than that fat-fuck Jirobo, definitely more than spider-fucking freak Kidomaru, and even more than lava-breathing cunt who took my spot!" Tayuya exclaimed vehemently although the twins took particular notice of her anger moreso regarding Isane
"Really, Tayuya? You did this because you were jealous; that people who are much more deserving than you are going on the siege. Meanwhile, you are stuck here; grounded seeing as how you are on extremely thin ice with almost everyone in the village…Even moreso after this." Sakon replied almost snickering at Tayuya's decision leading to this
"To be fair, would anyone really want to deal with her? I mean look at her, she's weaker than almost everyone in the army that's going…Not to mention just as ugly too after what Isane did to her." Ukon snidely remarked over the disfiguring burns that covered her face
"Shut the fuck up, you two-faced freaks. Its bad enough that I had my position stolen from me by that Kiri skank, and now I'm sitting bottom fucking line while everyone else is out getting to conquer one of the major villages…Fuck that, I deserve to be going to Iwa more than any of those useless fuckers." Tayuya said before the guards planted her boot so harshly on the back of Tayuya's knees that it forced her to the ground
"Show some respect to Master Sakon and Master Ukon, you wrectch. I haven't forgotten how you ripped on me and my people from seeking help from Lord Orochimaru. So either get it together, or you and the floor will be getting very acquainted with each other." A masked guard spoke while two others pointed their halberds at her
"As you can see, Tayuya. No one is going to put up with you smart mouth anymore." Sakon spoke with a smirk as he had Tayuya stood up once more
"Besides, without Lord Orochimaru's protection anymore. Now you can finally learn what having consequences for being such a giant bitch feels like." Ukon added with a mirthful glee at seeing Tayuya's foul mouth getting its due consequences
"Fuck you…"Tayuya said before an armored fist gut-punched her into silence
"By the way, you ginger skank. Remember, that its our faces that made sure you didn't get sent straight to Kabuto, or even Kimimaro. Since if Kabuto had his way, you would be on disposal duty from Lord Orochimaru's failed experiments…Better yet, a test dummy for one of the more aggressive ones." Ukon told her as Tayuya knew full well about the experiments that were borderline insane from the enhancements amping up their aggression
'How can I not remember that shit. I still can't believe I watched one of those fuckers tear someone in half; like they were made of tissue paper.' Tayuya said in vivid memory of a prisoner being made into a test-dummy for said experiment and being violently vivesected
"Bottom line, Tayuya. Be grateful that you still have some leeway left. Since the punishment that we're giving you, is a kindness compared to what your gonna get when everyone returns from the siege." Sakon said back knowing Tayuya was gonna be in for it
"So what then, your gonna put in the hole?" Tayuya asked
"Try solitary confinement until everyone returns from claiming Iwa. Except this one's gonna be special." Sakon answered back while Ukon grinned cruelly
"And when we say solitary, we mean no one sees you unless we say but yourself and 4 walls, where you can't even make a sound. Just pure silence and your thoughts where the only person you can bitch at is yourself...so no conjugal visits from Kin" Ukon added with a broad grin
"Puhlease, like you can scare with that bullshit. I can handle that just fine, those other bitches may crack but I sure as hell won't." Tayuya said with a cocksure grin that she could endure this without fail
"Then if you're so sure about it, then how about we get you nice and acquainted too your new room for the next week or two. Then we will see how well you hold out." Sakon told her as he ordered the guards to take her away
"...Do I have permission to speak freely, Master Ukon and Master Sakon?" An Oto Guard asked
"Go right ahead/Sure, I don't really care." Both silver-haired twins told the guard
"Thank you. Also, I do have to ask why you didn't tell her about the time dilation effect of our solitary confinement cells? I figured with how she has been nothing but a nuisance to the village, and now the siege; that fully notifying her of her punishment would have been more effective in shutting her up." The Oto Guard asked
"Simple, we wanted it to be a surprise for her. Since she deserves far more than what we've lead on, and she's going to get it in full." Ukon answered back with a malicious grin
"Besides, if we had told her. Then it wouldn't really sink in for her, and as such her punishment wouldn't really take hold. Therefore, our lying was necessary to make sure that she couldn't make further light of it." Sakon added
Since the twins wanted to make sure that when Tayuya was sent to confinement, that the full crushing weight of being alone with her own thoughts, the utter silence and pure darkness where not even so much as a needle dropping would make a sound; would crash down on her. Which when combined with the fact that the time dilation could oscillate from making an hour seem like several had passed to milliseconds passing at random, was a punishment that both twins wanted to be a surprise for their former compatriot.
"Very well, sirs. Secondly, I do have to ask why she hasn't been executed yet?...I know this may seem as though I am overstepping my bounds. However, it seems as though even with her title as part of Lord Orochimaru's elite guard taken away; that she still acts above us all." The Oto guard further questioned
"The answer to that, is simply that it isn't our call to make. Personally, we would've had her done away with a long time ago." Sakon responded
"It's moreso that they still have value and use for her yet. What that is, Ukon and I don't know, but what we do know is that once Lord Orochimaru returns from their training. That Tayuya is going to wish she was executed, for they do not take what she attempted lightly whatsoever." Sakon further spoke regarding what would await Tayuya once the Serpent Sannin got ahold of her
"I see…I only wanted to ask, as the other villagers have grown tired of her antics…All that they want is for there to be some action taken. Even though seeing her beaten down for her constant cursing, and acting as though she's superior to us is more than welcome." The Oto Guard said in wanting Tayuyato face actual justice other than that of street justice from her constantly running her mouth
"Don't worry, she will eventually. In the meantime, how about you run along. You still have work to do, soldier." Ukon spoke to the guard
"Right away, Lord Ukon." The Oto Guard said before saluting and taking their leave out of Sakon and Ukon's office
'Now then, where were we…Oh yeah, that's right, that proposal for Kabuto to begin working on Project Ghidorah…Why Lord Orochimaru wants to make a monster out of Manda's remains, I will never know.' Sakon remarked to himself as he began to read over said proposal
(1 week later ,December 8th, 997 S.E, 5:27 Am, 10 miles outside of Iwagakure)
Meanwhile, days would pass as the chill of December took hold for the battalion's worth of Otogakure soldiers had finally finished their march into Earth Country, and were now ready to begin their siege on the still sundered Iwagakure that looked a hollowed shell of its former glory.
"Are you ready for this, Isane?" Jirobo questioned Isane who finished putting on her armor
"Other than a few nerves from getting ready to start the siege. I'm feeling fantastic, right now!" Isane told the orange-haired giant beside her
"We are about to make history by destroying one of the 5 Great Shinobi Villages…Honestly, I couldn't be more excited and nervous at the same time." Isane added feeling both butterflies in her stomach and an apple-sized lump forming in her throat
"I know I'm not the best at semantics and all that touchy bullshit. But, other than Kidomaru and Kimmimaro. There's no one else, I would rather go into battle with than you." Jirobo said to Isane
"Wait, really?!" Isane said in surprise
"Yeah. You have been one of the bright spots in Lord Orochimaru's inner circle, since they considered having you replace Tayuya. Hell, now that your official, you've made the Sound 5; 10 times better than it ever has been. Its thanks to you, that I have finally found my fighting spirit and want to prove that I can be better…Something I never got from Tayuya always calling me a good-for-nothing fat fuck." Jirobo spoke looking down at his shorter companion
"That is why, on top of you inspiring everyone to get stronger than ever, and bringing us all closer together as a team. That I am happy to have met you, Isane Terumi." Jirobo further spoke causing a sheepishly bashful grin to cross Isane's face
"Hey, I'm just happy to be a part of something like this with you guys. All I ever wanted was to be the best version of myself that I could be…Now that I'm with you guys, and have Lord Orochimaru to get me there. I'm happy that I got meet everyone in the Sound 5 too, Mr. Jirobo!" Isane replied
"Same here, Isane. Now come on, we have to go prepare for Kidomaru's signal." Jirobo responded while the archer of the Sound 5 was busy infiltrating the sundered Hidden Village
Meanwhile, Kidomaru and his soldiers were currently infiltrating the Hidden Village through its sewer system; that had managed to hold out from the prior cataclysm; the multi-armed archer making sure that everyone went through the sewers unseen to their positions. The process having taken 9 minutes to do so quickly, safely, and silently given the still unsafe conditions of the fractured Hidden Village, given that anything could happen to cause their surfacing to collapse and lose part of the strike team sent in to get things started.
Yet they were able to do so and quickly scramble to their positions amidst the still dark skies of the early December morning, as snow began to fall upon the still fractured streets as shinobi and civilians alike had barely begun to wake to start their day of repairing the severe damage dealt by the cataclysm Naruto had wrought. However, while the citizens of Iwagakure were beginning to wake to begin the day of helping to rebuild the village, go on about their lives or what was left of it, or any other myriad of things on their well-worn minds; Kidomaru and his men began going to work.
Between their agility, speed, and the cover of night to aid in their stealth; they quickly began getting into position after placing all manner of explosive and other miscellaneous tags to destroy the buildings around them, while they scrambled onto rooftops and took cover in nearby alleyways for their surprise attack to begin…Kidomaru standing atop one of the buildings in his initial Curse Mark form raising his golden longbow aimed at the Tsuchikage's Tower that was being held together by stone and rock; giving it a gnarled-looking appearance akin to a tower from ancient times.
The multi-armed servant of Orochimaru's eyes scanned the tower for the weakest points possible; while charging a particularly nasty-looking arrow that was larger and had a spiral-shaped business end that cracked and arced with lightning chakra. It was nearly half a minute of pinpointing the most critical spot to fire off at in order to best weaken the structure and send it toppling as part of his signal to begin the siege whilst his eyes scanned the weakest point to send it all tumbling down.
The point in question being the bottom left portion of the Tsuchikage Tower where the rock, stone, and quicklime holding it together was the weakest, and a place where Kidomaru was quick to fire his lightning-chakra-covered arrow that looked more akin to a ballista bolt of raw power as he let it fly…The attack whistled through the air as it hurtled towards the damaged structure; like a bat of hell that soared through the chilling December morning with immense speed and precision.
Kidomaru watched with baited breath before his attack impacted with great force; not only shattering the stone supporting the bottommost left part of the tower, but also due to the immense forks of lightning that began to rip apart the lower section of the Tsuchikage tower as though it were made of rotting wood. From there Kidomaru then shot two arrows into the sky, one exploded into brilliant scarlet that signaled for his men to begin their part of their assault; while the one that exploded in ruddy violet signaled for the remaining half of their forces to begin the siege in full force.
"That's our signal, Mr. Jirobo. Let's get this party started." Isane said as she pounded her fists together
"You don't have to say another word, Isane…Alright, men get too it! We've only got so long before these stone fuckers get their guards up. So move those asses now!" Jirobo replied before hefting his flanged mace and ordering their soldiers to mobilize
As such whilst Isane and Jirobo's half of their soldiers were racing towards the walls of Iwagakure, Kidomaru and his soldiers were on demolition and skirmisher duty; launching sneak attacks to disembowel and slit the throats of any unlucky Iwa shinobi or civilian awake during the chaos with their kukri's and falchions. Then there was the archers alongside Kidomaru who began raining down barrages of arrows either to skewer anyone running about in the chaos like deer being chased by a lion or panther, or unleashing some of their explosive arrows to blast the shinobi who were evacuating civilians to their bunkers, or better yet to hit the tags they'd spread throughout.
This was where the nasty surprise of the tags that Kidomaru's team came into play, given that they weren't just explosive tags, but also ranged from blasting them with high-pressured streams of acid that would strip flesh from bone in seconds, obsidian spikes that would impact and explode like razor-blades, and blasts of cold and ice that would flash freeze any poor soul on sight. All of which among Kidomaru's men making great use of the cover of dark morning sky to move quick and unseen, as chaos reigned whilst the numbers of the fleeing civilians and rallying Iwa shinobi began to think at an ever-consistent rate.
Kidomaru made sure to use his exceptional eyesight and dexterity to intercept and strike down any who would come for a killing blow against his men, whilst also being able to use deft acrobatics and the use of one of his spider summons to make traversing through the Iwagakure skyline to be mobile enough to silence any Iwa Shinobi a near cake-walk. The multi-armed Sound 5 member only stopping his raining down of golden arrows to either refill his supply of arrows, or to evade the earth, fire or water jutsu fired at him by Iwa shinobi and ANBU before returning fire with his own shots.
The ambush that Iwa was suffering through had everyone scrambling, ducking, and diving to evade either the various explosive trap seals laid by Kidomaru and his men; alongside those that were having their throats slit, eyes slashed open and even disembowled were in a constant state of confusion amidst the bedlam. Something that was made all the more worst as chaos and bloodshed reign from every angle was the fact that Kurosutchi who was busy in the aiding of evacuating civilians, saw even more of the Otogakure soldiers climbing over their walls; through the aid of large house-sized cobra's with golden ripple eyes in their sockets.
As from every side possible did they come swarming in on the serpents that acted as battering rams; that knocked down large sections of their walls, and allowed the hordes to come pouring in by the truckload to lay waste. Yet the most terrifying thing was the fact that in mere seconds of them touching down did the Tsuchikage's granddaughter feel all too familiar surges of monstrous chakra, as within mere moments appeared the ruby-colored 4-tailed gorilla Son Goku in all his majesty as Isane rode atop him and Jirobo dashed alongside Han to get to work as human siege weapons.
"How the hell did they get Roshi and Han to turn on us?! There's no way they could've gotten him on their side." Kurotsutchi said to herself in stark shock and terror as the 4 tails
"Thanks for helping us out, Mr. Roshi. We really appreciate the back-up from you guys." Isane thanked as she rode atop the 4 Tails's head
"After Orochimaru had met with us, and informed us of Oonoki attempting to sell us out to the Akatsuki. For having wanted to go into retirement against his wishes, when we have put in over 30 years of service. We decided that enough was enough and that the old man deserved something for spitting in our face." Came the dual voices of Son Goku and Roshi who were united in anger at the elderly Kage
"Well, how about we retire him and this whole village into an early grave then!" Isane said as she used her Hellhound jutsu to cause the ground to briefly shake as wolves of molten rock burst from the ground
"Now THAT we can agree on!" Son Goku said before using Monkey Flame Arson to scorch the land
What with a sweeping tidal wave of flames surged forward incinerating everything in its path; whilst Isane used various Lava Release jutsu to cause various buildings to sink inward from being consumed by the eruptions of magma, which were made all the more devastating thanks to the 4-tails being used a medium for her jutsu; turning it a brilliant lime green in the process. Whilst by contrast, Jirobo who was well into his initial Curse Marked form that had been improved by the power of the Iron Plate allowed him and Han who was in his 1 tailed state to rush forward as rampage their way through anyone or anything in sight.
The combination of Jirobo's immense brute force allowed him to cave in the skulls and ribs of anyone who crossed his path with his heavy mace, and Han who used the steam around him to bolster both his already immense strength to nearly cause people's bodies to melt and implode on impact with his fists. All the while punishing anyone who came within arms reach of them as their skin was burned from the intense temperatures of it, while causing them to suffocate from the sheer thickness of it all; that made the duo and their men look more akin to vengeful fog-shrouded spirits.
Hence why Kidomaru's men continued to use the darkness of the early winter morning to swiftly run roughshod against the shinobi who were valiantly trying in vain to fight against the hordes, but to no avail as they cotninued to ambush them from within the darkness or pepper them full of arrows and crossbow bolts. Evident when Kitsutchi was in an attempt to use his Earth release to set up barriers to help wall off sections of the village to make evacuating easier, as the situation grew rapidly more bleak; did he find herself with a back full of arrows and crossbow bolts to the point it looked like the quills on a porcupine from the sheer volume.
Then on the other side of things with Isane and the 4-tails leading the charge by either setting the area ablaze and stamping on buildings through the massive red-furred gorilla, or Isane using them as a medium for large-scale Lava jutsu to incinerate enemy shinobi by the squadful. Alongside, Han and Jirobo and their men using the steam as a smokescreen to take out enemy ninja as well as destroy any buildings in their side as further footholds to rush through the further sundered Hidden Village turned warzone much more easily.
However, as the December day wore on as the hordes of the Serpent Sannin were more than easily tearing through Iwagakure in full effect, as the massive Snake Summons made for mobile assault lines for the bloodline wielders of Kiri to reign down an elemental hell of their various bloodlines from their serpentine perches to devastating effect…That their victory was assured from the village having been brought to near extinction by the forces of Orochimaru; that the sudden rumbling around them brought their attention to the ruins of Tsuchikage tower that were beginning to float with earthen brown light and primordial power.
"Hey, is that supposed to do that?!" Isane questioned from atop Son Goku's head
"I didn't think that he would use that things' power, but with how dire things have become for him. It makes sense that he utilize its power…It is a good thing we convinced Kokuo's jinchuuriki to come alongside us for this battle, otherwise it would have been far more difficult to fight against." Son Goku answered back as the ruined tower began to taken in rubble and stone from everywhere it could like a black hole
"What exactly are you talking about?" Isane questioned as the growing mound began to take on a humanoid shape
"That, that old fool is using one of those tablets that your leader uses. Except that his gives him the power over earth and stone to wield, as easily one breathes in air to their lungs." Son Goku said back
"I feel like there's a but to all of that?" Isane questioned
"But with his advanced age, and having to suffer through being injured from the collapse of the Tower on top of him. He has been weakened enough to not be able to use its full might for long; without burning himself out." Son Goku answered back as he used his tails to place Isane on a nearby rooftop
"That is why, once Kokuo and I give the opening. Your archer must take the shot against him, and slay him while he is distracted." Son Goku told her as she nodded in understanding
'Good luck, Mr. Son Goku.' Isane thought to herself as she sped off towards Kidomaru's location
All the while Han in seeing that Oonoki was using his last resort with the power of the Stone Plate in his possession to form a large construct of rubble, stone, mud and debris in the shape of an armored oni; with glowing reddish brown eyes and almost raptor-like legs made of concrete and stone. The jinchuuriki had quickly rushed forward and in a massive burst of chakra had transformed into Kokuo in all of their glory and landed a massive headbutt that nearly had the oni-like construct buckle from the sheer concussive for behind the attack.
However, before it could use Stone Axe via turning its left hand into the blade of a greataxe to slash at their neck, Son Goku on the otherhand had came rushing in on all fours to jump and deliver a flying roundhouse kick with a level of agility that was unreal from their massive frame. Before following up landing dual hammerfists to its face, which was made all the worst by Kokuo driving their steam-covered front hooves into their midsection to send them careening away.
Yet Oonoki from within the construct used his Earth Release: Ultra Added Weight Boulder Jutsu to increase the strength and mass of his constructs' left arm, to launch a massive shovel hook on a charging Kokuo was getting ready to slam into the rapidly charging tailed beast. The result was a mass shockwave erupting as steam and debris was launched into the air, as both entities were struggling to move against the other as Kokuo tried to gallop and push forward but Oonoki from within his construct held firm using the power of the plate to root himself to the ground.
However, that was well and good except for Son Goku coming in with his clawed hand ablaze with magma as he swiped downwards with great strength to nearly tear away at Oonoki's shoulder; the construct having to back away from it's left arm being nearly melted away. In response, Oonoki used his arm that still had Stone Axe active to try and swing into the 4-tailed apes chest, but a timely interception of Kokuo turning around to buck his back hooves into the towering construct's midsection knocked them away while sending large cracks throughout the surface.
Oonok wasi quick to use multiple Earth Release: Mobile Cores to try and impede the charge of the 2 fully transformed jinchuuriki, but between the unreal agility of Son Goku and Kokuo using their control over steam to turn into a massive cloud of it to phase through them; they were left unimpeded in their charge towards the elderly Tsuchikage. So in seeing this said Tsuchikage used his construct to use Diamond Storm by gathering up the rubble around him and throwing it as a massive buckshot-like wave of diamonds at the two tailed beasts in question.
That being said, Son Goku used his Monkey Flame Arson to sweep around in a wide arc to incinerate the storm of diamonds that were headed their way, and to burn them away before they could reach their allies beneath them. However, this was more than enough cover for the oni of stone and rock to come barreling towards the 4-tails with an Accelerock attack to the ribs; causing Son Goku to roar in pain before he was bashed in the face with a right hook from the Stone Axe, splitting open a wide gash across his forehead.
In response to this the massive ape caused his mouth to erupt into flames as he grabbed onto Oonoki's construct and bit down as hard as he could before tearing the offending limb off; leaving a stump of jagged stone and debris at the tricep. All before smashing into him with his massive fists in a flurry of red fur that erupted with bursts of magma with each blow landed, before a jaw-busting uppercut that set the constructs' face ablaze was delivered with great force before Kokuo reared upwards and slammed into the construct with steam covered hooves to send it careening forward.
"How dare the two of you rebel against me! I am your Kage, you two should be grateful I let you two live as well as you have these years!" Oonoki's roared from within the massive construct
"You stopped being our Tsuchikage when you chose to sell us out to the Akatsuki! And all for what?! Because we wanted peace over wanting to continue being weapons for the village we've served for decades?!" Came the dual voices of Son Goku and Roshi in indignant anger
"As the jinchuuriki of the village, your lives were meant to be the sentinels of Iwagakure from the day those beasts were put inside you! Nothing more than that, so the fact that you go against your duties was more than enough to see that you outlived your usefulness to the village! That goes for the both of you." Oonoki shouted back as he gathered up energy for a Power Gem attack
"Then consider this our resignation, Oonoki." Kokuo said as she gathered an immense amount of chakra in her throat
From there Oonoki launched the ruddy-red beam of a Power Gem attack at the two, whilst Son Goku unleashed another Monkey Flame Arson to counter the beam of otherworldly power; that headed for him. With Son Goku's attack clashing against the attack causing the village to shake from the power of both attacks, yet this was more than enough cover for Kokuo to gain distance as rolling hot steam surrounded her to the point that she was barely visible and the ground itself seemed to melt beneath her massive form.
All before she kicked off at full speed to deliver her Steaming Bullet attack that crashed into the back of the armored Oni faster than Oonoki could have it react, causing the majority of it's back to being blown out, and be catapulted into the flames of Son Goku.
Kokuo having been able to quickly transmute themselves into steam to phase through the searing flames to avoid being burned while a warpath of incendiary destruction was made in the process, hence why by the time she turned back into a physical form was the armored Oni left down to one knee as its body glowed white hot with small house sized sections being melted away. So in seeing the downed form of their partners' former Kage, both tailed beasts rushed forward as titans of great might to trample and brutalize him into the ground for his betrayal against them.
Yet Oonki wasn't one to go down so easily as he quickly put as much power as possible to unleash an Ancient Power attack against them, the massive orb of silverly-white primordial power rushing towards them with great force. However, Son-Goku who'd been rushing on all fours had used his great strength to leap forwards toward it and with great athleticism was able to soccer-kick the attack into the air above, causing it to explode in blindingly white light above them to illuminate the sundered village in all of its destructive glory.
Meanwhile, Kokuo had once more turned into steam to sneak up on Oonoki who was using the stone and debris to regenerate his construct as quickly as possible, to deliver a Horn-Breaking attack to the constructs greatly eviscerated back; sending it tumbling across the village and causing the hordes of the Serpent Sanning to rush as quickly as possible out of the way. Wherein, Son Goku was there with both hands wrapped in vulcanized rubber-like warped-looking boxing gloves to deliver a devastating yet short combination of punches that took out chunks from the construct's chest, as thunderous booms echoed with each shot fired.
The final shot which was a double axe-handle to the left side of its head was enough to force it to the ground, as the rubber covering his hands exploded into thick tendrils to weigh it down and restrain it to the ground. Allowing both tailed beasts to beat down upon the massive Oni of stone and rubble, who was forced on defense to constantly regenerate as Son Goku stamped and punched on it with his fists and feet, while Kokuo repeatedly trampled on its sides and back with their hooves with ferocious abandon.
However, even as the fury continued for well over a small score of minutes that Oonoki gathered enough strength to have the entire torso of his construct explode into multiple spikes of mud, stone, and searing hot debris to try and impale both tailed beasts…Granted both were able to evade the majority of the attack with great speed, they weren't able to do so unscathed with both reciveing more than their fair share of wounds on their bodies with Son Goku's taking it to his left flank and Kokuo's to her right flank.
That being said as Oonoki rose forth again he was met in defiance with Son Goku wadding up two houses and all of the accompanying rubble into a volcanic nightmare of magma and debris that was launched into a monstrously sized missile that was sent hurtling towards Oonoki; courtesy of Kokuo rearing up to send it crashing into Oonoki at blinding speeds. The Tsuchikage who felt his reserves dipping from keeping the construct that was usually a one-and-done technique was barely able to keep the missile from landing cleanly, that being said it did take out nearly half of its constructs torso in the process.
"You two want to play it that way then fine! Let's see how you handle this." Oonoki snarled from his construct now visible from the constant damage dealt too it
From there he began charging up a supercharged version of his Dust Release: Atomic Dismantling Jutsu the drill-like construct being tinted an earthen brown by the power of the Stone Plate as its power was so immense that even the nearby area around him began to disintegrate. Therefore, in response to this Kokuo and Son-Goku began charging up Tailed Beast Bombs in response, except there's was much different given that both were infused with the elemental releases they were known for.
What with Son Goku's looking more akin to a massive sphere of warbling magma and chakra, while Kokuo's looked more like an undulating sphere of monstrous chakra and superheated steam that seemed to shift between a gaseous state and its solidified form…So with what was barely a minute passing of both attacks being charged to their utmost before firing, as each attack raced towards their opposition with such force that the ground shook and vibrated to the point that the soldiers of Orochimaru gathered onto the serpents to escape well to the outer-reaches of the Hidden Village.
The moment that the trio of attacks collided the world around them seemed to erupt in an obscene display of power that caused the ground to shake as though Groudon were breakdancing across the village. The clashing powers were so intense that the combined heat, pressure and steam made anything in a 5 mile radius melt and dissolve from the sheer intensity of the clash of powers, as neither side refused to give an inch to the other.
However, as both sides continued to struggle for dominance against the other, on the clear otherside of the village was Isane in her own Curse Mark form channeling as much chakra into Kidomaru who was in his Stage 2 form with his golden warbow out for all too see, with lightning chakra surging around his arrow. All 3 of his eyes laser-focused on the exposed form of Oonoki who was struggling so intensely to hold back the tailed beast bombs even with the power of the Stone Plate amplifying him that he was bleeding from his eyes, nose, and ears rather profusely.
Yet despite the semi-deafening noise of the attacks, the yells of the troops below, and the roar of the flames around him that Kidomaru remained focused on his target, as the energy of his arrow crackled and arced around him... With a single breath that was full of calm and resolve did he fire his projectile from an astonishing 8 miles away, the lightning arrow speeding with such force towards Oonoki that one could mistake it for an honest to god lightning bolt.
Meanwhile, as Oonoki struggled to push back against the twin Tailed Beast Bombs with all of the might his aged body possessed did he barely notice the azure streak of light zipping towards him; before the next blink of his eyes later did he feel an absence in his chest and a scorching hot pain blossom all over his body..The 3rd Tsuchikage then looking down in that instant as the arrow sailed through the other side of his constructs' skull was that he had been bisected horizontally, everything below his floating ribs had been shorn away by the electrified arrow into a charred heap of flesh that sailed below him.
And as such in that moment of distraction; did the twin attacks punch through the Dust Release jutsu, and collide and slam into the armored construct; pushing it upwards into the sky alongside the remains of Oonoki's infamous jutsu. The Tsuchikage within sailing for roughly several miles into the air before the attacks exploded with such immense force that the entire village shook and vibrated to the point that even below people were knocked flat on their backs, as the 3rd and now final Tsuchikage was atomized in its aftermath.
Debris rained down around the village like a meteor shower as the last vestige of Iwagakure rained down to the ground, whilst Kokuo and Son Goku roared in victory alongside the eventual cries of excitement at Iwagakure having been successfully taken and the Tsuchikage sundered. What with Kidomaru exiting immediately out of his 2nd Curse Mark form from having fired off the attack that required even Isane to steady him to properly fire it.
"Well, we did it, Mr. Kidomaru. We successfully slayed a Kage." Isane said as she fell to her butt alongside Kidomaru
"Yeah…we fucking did it…Holy shit, am I tired." Kidomaru said breathing heavily from the feat
"On the plus side, after we have everyone and everything rounded up. We can take the world's longest nap." Isane replied absolutely pooped from the completion of their siege
"Believe me, I'm not gonna miss out on that for the world. Until then, I'm just gonna lay here for…I don't know." Kidomaru said with an exhausted grin
'We did it…We did it against all odds, Lord Orochimaru…Hmph, wait until Mei hears about this.' Isane noted to herself as daylight began to break over the horizon as if to symbolize the final day of Iwagakure
(1 week later, Otogakure, December 16th, 997 S.E, 2:10 Pm)
Quite a bit of time would pass after the fall of Iwagakure as those that participated during the return were hailed as heroes for having destroyed and as such conquered one of the 5 Major villages that were soon to be assimilated into the fold. What with Han and Roshi staying back to oversee things with 1 half of the troops while the other returned to Otogakure.
"Well, guys we did it…We actually brought down an entire Hidden Village." Isane said still reeling from what they did only a week prior
"Neither can I, but then again. All of us are leagues above whatever was left in that craphole." Kidomaru replied as Jirobo ordered another round of drinks
"Besides, with our game plan that we put together. They didn't stand a chance. Especially when we turned both of their jinchuuriki against them." Kidomaru added knowing that thanks to Lord Orochimaru they were able to stack the deck in their favor
"Hey, you won't hear me complaining about it. I just still think it's super grimy of that geezer to sell Mr. Roshi and Mr. Han out like that; because they wanted to go into retirement." Isane said back in disgust of Oonoki's plan to sellout the jinchuuriki all because they wanted their well earned retirement
"That's just how things go for most jinchuuriki. They get roped into it by getting a tailed beast stuffed into them, what makes it worse is that they make sure your somebody close to a higher-up or the Kage. That way they can make sure that your wrapped around their finger as tightly as possible. Throw in enough propaganda to make them a village hero, and voila. You have your own pliable village super weapon; that you can sell out when they no longer want to fight for you, as after all 'how dare they turn from the line of duty after everything their Kage has done for them'." Kidomaru explained
"Kidomaru's right. Unless you get lucky enough to be like the Hokage's bastards in Konoha, or the 2 jinchuriki in Kumo. Then your downright fucked to work 24/7/365 till you die." Jirobo chimed in
"I swear being a jinchuriki keeps getting worse and worse sounding the more I hear about it. I mean, what the hell; they're people too?!" Isane said throwing her hands in the air exasperated over how unfairly the majority of jinchuuriki were treated
"Look, we know that, but tell that to everyone that's scared out of their minds over them. We may see them as normal people, however, to the average guy their a walking apocalypse waiting to happen." Jirobo stated
"Well, hopefully after everything settles down, Mr. Roshi and Mr. Han can get their apple pie life or whatever. Those two definitely deserve it." Isane spoke
While the Lava Release user had only known the 2 jinchuuriki for a short time, she knew that with lives like there's and how long they'd served as soldiers of their now destroyed home; that those two were more than deserving of their own happy ending…whatever that may be.
"If everything goes our way into the new year. Then I have a good feeling that they'll get their happy ending." Kidomaru spoke as their drinks soon arrived
"When Lord Orochimaru gets back from their training, I'll have to talk to them about making that happen…After everything they did to help us beat that old fart and take over Iwagakure, it is the least I can do for them." Isane replied figuring that she could do something to that effect for the 2 elder shinobi
"I still can't believe that Lord Orochimaru is doing that Sage training stuff. As if they aren't already powerful as is." Kidomaru said back
"Well, they do wanna make sure their as strong as possible; with everything that's gonna start coming after us." Isane said as she took a small drink from her glass of tequila
"...By the way, Mr. Kidomaru. Do you mind if I ask you something that's been eating at me for awhile?" Isane asked the multi-armed East Gate
"Sure, shoot." Kidomaru replied as he took a gulp of his rum
"Since you have those nifty-looking spider summons. How come you never tried to become a Spider Sage? I figured that with how strong everybody wants to get, and with all the cool stuff you can already do. That you would've tried to shoot for being one by now." Isane asked wondering why Kidomaru never went for learning Sage Arts
"Would you be surprised if I told you the thought never crossed my mind; until you brought up the idea?" Kidomaru replied whilst Jirobo took a mammoth gulp of his beer
"Wait, really?! You never thought about trying it even for one moment?!" Isane asked again in surprise
"No, with everything going on before the village took off. I never truly gave the idea much thought." Kidomaru said with a shrug of his shoulders as he drank more of his liquor
"Now that's a shocker." Isane said as she took another small drink of her tequila
"I gotta agree with Isane on this one. With how much of a dynamite tactician you are, on top of being the smartest guy I know. I would've figured that you would've been on top of that shit." Jirobo replied in equal surprise that Kidomaru never pursued such a thing
"What can I say, there are just some things that just fly right past you...Learning Senjutsu just happens to be one of those things for me." Kidomaru said back nonchalantly over having never gone for it
"Then how about you go for it now?" Isane suggested
"Now that we've caught a major win for the history books, and there's no Tayuya to weigh you guys down anymore. Then why not take a shot and go for it! We have everything going for us don't we? So why not go for broke and get a super awesome power-up to ring in the new year." Isane further spoke seeing no reason why they shouldn't
"She has a point, Kidomaru. Between Kimmimaro taking his bloodline to the next level, Isane trying to get the 2nd stage of her Curse Mark, and my becoming a menace with my mace and earth jutsu. You might as well go all or nothing for a new power." Jirobo added in agreement with Isane's words
"Now that we achieved the impossible, I will admit that becoming a Spider Sage wouldn't hurt...Especially, since I have so much to catch up too now that Sakon and Ukon are stuck doing beauracratic bullshit." Kidomaru said mulling over the thought
"Tell you what, Mr. Kidomaru. I'll make it my New Years goal to get to the 2nd Stage of my Curse Mark, before we head out to assist my cousin with the civil war. If you take getting your Spider Sage powers seriously." Isane replied
"You really think you can get that done, by the time Lord Orochimaru has us to move on Kiri?" Kidomaru asked semi-skeptically
"You bet! And I'll make sure it happens, as long as you promise to get to work on being a Spider Sage…Because, I want all of us to be super-powerful together. So how about it, Mr. Kidomaru? Are you up for it?!" Isane asked back in response
"If you can really pull it off by then, then sure. I will get started on becoming a Spider Sage, but not a moment before then, Isane. I want to see you utilize it in full effect, before I get started?...Does that sound fair to you?" Kidomaru said wanting Isane to agree to her end before he did anything else
"That sounds more than easy to me. Just you watch, I'm gonna make this stuff look like a cake-walk." Isane replied with a smile full of resolve and passion
"Good luck. That is a helluva lot easier said than done. Take it from experience, Isane. You are gonna wear yourself ragged." Jirobo said having remembered all too well the struggle and strife that went into obtaining said form
"Well, this is me we're talking about, and I know for certain that I'll get this down-pat no problem!" Isane declared to both the elder Sound 4 members
'This poor girl has no idea, what she's signing herself up for.' Were the thoughts of both Jirobo and Kidomaru
"In any case, here's to destroying a hidden village and ringing in a New Year full of possibilities." Kidomaru said raising his glass
"I'll drink to that and then some!" Jirobo said as he clinked glasses with Isane and Kidomaru
'This next year is gonna be awesome!' Isane cheered to herself as she continued to drink alongside her peers
(3 hours later, 5:40 Pm, Otogakure)
Meanwhile, it would be later on into the day was Orochimaru after having been told of Tayuya's decision in trying to insert herself into the siege of Iwa by Sakon and Ukon, was albeit not showing it was furious and as such was discussing with Kimimaro on what to do with the rebellious illusionist.
"The mere fact that she was brazen enough to attempt this act of rebellion; deserves punishment, and a swift one at that." Orochimaru said their anger being almost tangible through the hologram
"Months of planning nearly brought to ruin, because she cannot control her own ego…Apparently, it has yet to sink in that she is no longer in a position to do such things without consequence." Orochimaru further spoke as the pressure and killing intent even from another realm was nearly suffocating
"Luckily enough, my lord. We have her detained in one of our solitary confinement cells, with guards posted to make sure she does not attempt anything." Kimimaro informed the Serpent Sannin
"Good to know, Kimimaro. Expect me to make a personal visit to her cell once I return. I feel as though I need to make the point that her ability to have such leeway with her actions; no longer possible much more clear. Especially, if her recent actions are anything to go by." Orochimaru told the Kaguya
"Understood. If I may speak more freely on the subject, such a conversation is long overdue. Given that a more extreme approach should be given to punish Tayuya for her brazeness." Kimimaro said as a cruel smile spread across his masters' features
"Oh, don't worry. I plan on giving her a well-deserved punishment the moment I return…It was one I did not think I would have to dole out so soon. However, given that Tayuya's attitude has yet to change or improve since her 'demotion', I think it is time that my courteousness towards her draw to an immediate close." Orochimaru replied knowing that the best way to punish Tayuya's insolence had come
"...Am I too assume that Kin Tsuchi is too be transferred to one of our bases for trial testing?" Kimimaro surmised knowing where this was going
"Correct. While it is a shame that Kin will have to pay the price for Tayuya's insolence. I feel as though this will finally drill into her thick skull that she overestimates her standing in the order of things." Orochimaru answered back
For the Serpent Sannin did not wish it had come to this, given that they had hoped that in Tayuya's time in being demoted to a lesser rank that she would perhaps learn humility and grow from the experience to be better and perhaps one day work her way back into their inner circle. However, with this latest stunt having solidified that Tayuya's arrogance and crass behavior had only worsened, Orochimaru saw that the best course of action going forward to discipline her was one of extremes to have her learn her place.
"It is almost pitiful that things in my absence had come to this moment. I had hoped that she would learn humility and humbleness in her time in the lower ranks, and perhaps become better overall; instead of her ways worsening…Yet I cannot say I expected as much from her." Orochimaru added
"This will either further enrage her, or perhaps as a miracle cause her to fall in line for once, and act with caution and prudence...Although I highly doubt that given her history thus far." Kimimaro said although his hopes for the latter were slim
"Regardless, of how she feels once my punishment and wrath has been inflicted. It matters not to me, she has had more than ample time to better her behavior, and has failed spectacularly…Now, Now she will learn the hard way of what it is like to interfere in things she has no part in." Orochimaru added with an intensive malice in their voice that was in sharp contrast to the calm bordering on hauntingly demure tone of their voice
"...That being said, and on a more pleasant note. I heard that the siege on Iwa was successful, was it not?" Orochimaru said taking a few calming inhales before shifting the subject
"Yes, Iwa has been successfully destroyed and captured. Our men have already set up camps to contain the prisoners, that are awaiting processing." Kimimaro informed the Serpent Sannin
"Excellent, and what of Oonoki and his kin? Did any of them survive our attack?" Orochimaru queried
"Both the Tsuchikage and his son have been terminated. Although, we did capture Oonoki's granddaughter…While she did put up a fight against our men, she was made pliable to our demands once we threatened to execute all survivors of our siege." Kimimaro told them regarding the sole survivor of Oonoki's bloodline
"That is rather interesting news to hear. Make sure that she is well kept and in decent condition for my return. I want to have a talk with her when I come from White Snake Mountain…If she has any of her grandfather's wisdom or prudence, then she will listen too and accept my demands of her." Orochimaru said back in having ideas for Kurosutchi
"As you wish, milord. I will see too it that she is to remain unharmed and kept in good condition for your return." Kimimaro replied with a dutiful nod
"Is there any other pressing news that I am to be made aware of?" Orochimaru questioned further
"Yes, there is actually. In the aftermath of the siege, our men were able too after scouring the ruins of the village able to find one of the tablets. This one holding power over earth and stone from what the reports were able to inform." Kimimaro answered back
"That is excellent news to hear Kimimaro. I trust that the tablet has been recovered and put into the vaults, as per the standard of finding one of them." Orochimaru said with their maliciousness turning into excitement at the news
"Of course, my lord. It is en route to your personal vaults as we speak." Kimimaro replied
"That is fantastic to hear! I cannot wait to proceed with experiments once I return from my senjutsu training." Orochimaru said back elated at even more of what could be done with another plate in play
"...It seems as though things are turning more in our favor. All in time for the New Year to bring more good fortune upon us no less...Between this, and the news of Jiraiya's precious toads falling to ruin...oh it feels as though Christmas has come early!" Orochimaru further spoke with a sinister amount of glee in their voice
Given that in the time since their Senjutsu training, Orochimaru had heard full well of the news that Mt. Myoboku had begun to fall to ruin after the attack by mysterious 'demons' from dimensions beyond the mortal coil; monsters that had inflicted not only madness upon a substantial number of the Toads' residents and bringing to heel their greatest warriors. But also that a horrid blight had erupted into existence to the point that it had begun mutating their fallen and those wounded into horrid abominations to the point that even with the elders' expertise in Sage Arts that it could only stave off those infected from becoming mutants of flesh, and carnage that desired to only ravage and further infect those to share the shame cursed blight...the blight in question even effecting and corrupting the natural chakra that usually saturated said area into something fouler than even that of the 9 tails's own.
'I could almost jump for joy in knowing Jiraiya's summons have become putrid abominations due to their own hubris...Ooohhhh, how I wish I could rub it in his face; that his meddling with fate has finally bitten him at long last.' Orochimaru said to herself with an almost childish mirth at the fate that befell the toads
"Perhaps, by the time of the new year, we will find yet another tablet to add to our collection." Kimimaro added breaking his leader from her insidiously mirthful thoughts
"Maybe, Kimimaro, maybe. However, I will not be one too press our good fortune. For now let us be thankful that we have come this far. For we still have to assist our friends in Kiri to end that loathsome civil war; in conjunction with preparing for a clash against my former peers in the Akatsuki." Orochimaru said knowing that while things were turning in their favor that there was still much to prepare for
"Understood, my lord...At times with our success it is easy to forget that there is so much more ahead of us." Kimimaro said knowing that there was much over the horizon to be ready for
"Undoubtedly so, Kimimaro...Even though we have succeeded this far in our goals, there is still much more to be done and conquered...That being said, enjoy the rest of the evening. Everyone in the village barring Tayuya has more than earned their bit of happiness." Orochimaru said back
"As you wish my lord." Kimimaro said before ending the transmission
'Now then, what to do now that I am free…Hmmm, perhaps I will go visit Jugo.' Kimimaro said to themselves before eventually heading off towards their longtime friend
So with the siege and sundering of Iwa having been delivered to devastating effect, and another tablet under Orochimaru's lock and key…What further machinations lie in wait with this newest victory for the forces of the Serpent Sannin? Find out next time in the all new chapters of, Naruto: The Pokesage!
Alright, that takes care of that as I hoped you guys have enjoyed this hefty chapter and everything that went into it. Given that with this chapter, a lot of things are gonna change, seeing as how one of the 5 major Hidden Villages are now out of the picture. Beyond that, I am as always glad to see that everyone continues to enjoy this story so far, as it continues to be an absolute blast for me to write, and that being said I hope that everyone will continue to support the story; for every favorite, follow and review counts.
However, with all that being said this is Pravus666 signing off until next time; what with the next chapter starting the Land of Waves arc and what's to come of that. So stay tuned to see what happens!
Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint
Random End Song: Artificial Light by Demon Hunter
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Glad you like how everything's going so far in the story with the newest update too it. Furthermore, there was no way that even after he had closure on things regarding Minato and Kushina that he was gonna be out of the woods just yet, as he still has to deal with the festering headache that is Jiraiya and the twins. Not to mention that I will be developing the friendship with Kazushi and Pakura down the line, its just something that's gonna take some developing later on given that I have the Chunin Exams and the Wave Arc to plan out for which are gonna be big for what comes from them overall! Also, on one hand it makes more than a heck of a lot of sense that even Kazushi doesn't know what Naruto is capable of at full strength when even he doesn't know it since when your wield cosmic powers beyond your comprehension...its pretty hard to recognize where your ceiling is. Then on the other as we've seen by that last little bit with Orochimaru word is spreading and quick that the Toads have been officially sundered by the hands of Darkrai and Giratina, as this is gonna actually have consequences on how Toad Sage mode affects Minato and Jiraiya going forward. Lastly, Kazushi would also enjoy having Naruko as a student in that instance given that its someone that is on their wavelength of getting stronger and taking being an absolute menace seriously, on top of the fact that she would probably be the equivalent of a walking mama bear to her seeing as how she protects her own and fiercely!
Skull Flame: Oh trust me, there's gonna be a lot of stuff going forward into the Exams, since with how much I have going into it...There's a whole lot of moving parts that I have to account for in what goes on in it and in the aftermath of it.
SPark681: Oh trust me, he's gonna be mega-pissed. Hence why I'll say this going forward, expect for him to try and finish what was started during the Chunin Exams...Since there ain't nothing saying that things cannot happen under the cover of night when people sleep.
Krieger Techpriest: I planned on them being together since I think that they would make for a decent paring all things considered.
starravenwolf: Well, congrats man as starting up on the chapter after this; we'll have the Wave Arc commencing so hope you'll be ready for what's coming soon.