Chapter 2 : When Roles Reverse
Village Hidden in Leaves
After the events of the Wave Arc, Sasuke Uchiha found himself at a crossroads in his life. He had witnessed Naruto's unwavering rage to avenge his friend, even at the risk of his own life. It left a profound impact on Sasuke, causing him to question his pursuit of revenge against his brother, Itachi.
One evening, as the sun set over the Hidden Leaf Village, Sasuke approached Naruto who was sitting silently over the Hokage Monument. "Hey, idiot," he began, using his usual nickname for Naruto. The blonde turned around, his lone blue eye dawning a confusing look. "What are you doing here? Be carful I don't want your fan girls to be upset about the almighty Uchiha princess hanging out with a lowly Genin like me." The blonde said sarcastically.
Sasuke eye's twitched at the disrespect but chose to ignore it. He sighed heavily "I've been thinking... Maybe there's more to life than just power and vengeance."
Naruto looked surprised but curious. "What are you getting at, Sasuke?"
Sasuke hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I want to get stronger, not just for revenge, but to protect the people I care about. I want to be a better ninja, and I think you can help me with that."
Naruto grinned ear to ear. "You got it, Sasuke! I'll train with you anytime!"
Sasuke dawn a small smile at the simplistic way of thinking his teammates have. He wish to one day be like that. Just carefree, living happily in peace.
From that day on, Naruto and Sasuke started training together. They pushed each other to their limits, sparring and honing their skills. After a while Naruto learned his elemental jutsu is wind, furthering their connection with collaboration jutsu, turning a normal C Rank jutsu to a whopping A Rank jutsu while working together. Their competitive spirits fueled their progress, but beneath it all, a genuine friendship was blossoming.
Sakura and Kakashi noticed the change in Sasuke's demeanor. He smiled more, and he no longer isolated himself from the team. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
As months passed, Naruto and Sasuke's bond grew stronger. They developed a friendly rivalry, constantly striving to outdo each other. Whether it was mastering new jutsu or improving their teamwork, they pushed the boundaries of their abilities.
Sasuke found himself not only seeing Naruto as a teammate but as a brother. He realized that Naruto's unwavering support and friendship were more valuable than any revenge he could seek.
Their journey was not without challenges. They faced formidable opponents, including rogue ninjas in C-Rank missions. But Naruto and Sasuke's combined strength and trust in each other allowed them to overcome every obstacle.
Their progress did not go unnoticed by the village. The Hokage himself acknowledged their growth, proud of the young ninjas they were becoming. They were soon invited to the upcoming Chūnin exams.
Ninja Academy
Sasuke and Sakura were waiting for Naruto at the Academy entrance. Sasuke had no doubt that Naruto would show up but Sakura was the one he had thought would never show up for the Chūnin Exams, the girl is simply weak. Yesterday she did not seem too sure of herself that she would enter. It did not take long for Naruto to appear.
"Wassup you guys!" Naruto greeted in his usual exuberance, dawning a ear to ear foxy smile.
Sasuke smiled challengingly "I didn't think you'll actually come loser."
A tick mark appeared on the blonde's head "Grr... Sasuke!!! Just you wait , when these exams start I'll shove my so far up your ass that every time you brush your teeth, you'll shine my shoes!!"
Sakura eyebrows twitched and she punched Naruto on top of his head. The two teammates started bickering while Sasuke shook his head. 'I'm just glad your back to normal Naruto...' He thought, while the images from wave made him uncomfortable.
The Uchiha sighed, "Okay guys, let's go inside." He said turning around to face the academy doors. Both his teammates followed him behind.
The academy was full of activities. Sasuke was just not interested in anything though he just wanted to get over with it. The only person that interested him was the sand ninja. The others would just be annoyances that talked more than necessary.
The team walked inside the academy ignoring everything else that was taking place. They wanted to get to the room they were told to by their sensei. It was of no benefit to them to get into other people's business.
They were stopped when a green blur appeared in front of them. The boy in front them wore a green jumpsuit; his forehead protector was worn as a belt on his waist, and black shinobi sandals. He had thick eyebrows and shiny black hair. He looked at the boys then at sakura. He smiled at her and gave her a thumps up.
"You must be Haruno Sakura, I am Rock Lee," he introduced himself to the pink haired girl. Then he blushed slightly, "Will you go out with me, I will protect you with my life." He said
Sakura was quick to speak, the boy was lame his jumpsuit, hair and everything about just seemed wrong. "Eh…no!" she said. 'What a creep doesn't he know I belong to Sasuke-kun' she thought to herself. Sasuke seemed disappointed at her answer. He had hoped that the girl would accept Lee's proposition and leave him the heck alone, but seems that it was not to be.
Lee seemed disappointed at the rejected and brightened up slightly. He looked at straight at Sasuke's eyes, "YOOSSSHHH Uchiha Sasuke, WE MEET AT LAST, I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL, LETS TEST OUR FLAMES OF YOUTH"
Sasuke smiled "Lee as much I love a good fight, I have no interest in taking part of a pointless battle, but when the exams start be ready" If he was still power hungry bent on revenge he would've accepted but since Wave, he's taken a new path. One day he'll thank Naruto for that.
Lee started to shed tears, "S-So *Sniff* honorable *Sniff* S-So... YOOOUUUTHHHFULLL!!! YES I SHALL BASK IN THE FLAMES OF YOUTH AND SHOW YOU MY FULL POWER IN THE EXAMS!!!!" He exclaimed rushing off.
Leaving Team 7 stupefy. After that debacle, Team 7 walked towards room 301 in silence. They reached the doors and were stopped from opening the door when Kakashi appeared between them and the door. Kakashi's eye smile was in place as well as his orange book, make out paradise.
"Yo"
"Kakashi-sensei what are you doing here?" Sakura asked looking at her sensei.
Kakashi was a little surprised that Sakura had decided to enter the exams. He looked at Sasuke; Sasuke was the reason the girl entered the exams. If Sasuke was not in her team she would never have entered the exams.
With the look he saw on her face yesterday it was truly a surprise that she decided to come. 'I should not be surprised' He thought to himself. There was really nothing that Sakura would not do for Sasuke.
He sighed and closed his book, "I'm glad that you all decided to take part in the exams," he said, "But to be honest with you, the chunin selection exams can only be taken by a team of three. For example if Sakura had decided against taking part in the exams Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't have been eligible to take part in the exams."
Sakura felt relieved that she had decided to take part in the exams or she would surely have disappointed Sasuke. She had no doubt that Naruto was going to participate but that would not have mattered had she decided against participating in the exams.
Sasuke would have been upset with her had she stood in the way of him taking part in the exams. She looked at her sensei, "Why did not you tell us that yesterday?"
"I wanted everyone to participate on their own choices not because they were forced to. If you had decided not to take part in the exams Sasuke would have forced you to enter." He replied earning a nod from Sakura. She knew it too well Sasuke would have forced her to enter the exams. She was not sure how Naruto would react if she had chosen not to enter, but thinking of it Naruto might have not cared either way. The dummy would've probably forgot about it.
"Sakura don't allow yourself to be a burden to your teammates," Kakashi said firmly, interrupting her thought process, Sakura nodded, she look to the ground in shame, she had always needed to her teammates to carry her. He look at Sasuke "And Sasuke, make sure everything stays on course. If anything changes you immediately let me or the Hokage know." He said giving his student a knowing look.
The Uchiha nodded, he definitely didn't need Naruto going crazy during the exams.
"Well then, good luck" Kakashi said as he disappeared in swirl of leafs. Even though Sakura was weak he was not a bit worried about her for he knew that her teammates would look out for her.
Naruto stepped forward and opened the door, he smiled "Alright you guys, let's kick some ass!!" his teammates followed him as he entered room 301.
The moment they entered the room they were greeting by killing intents from different directions. Sasuke shrugged it off even though it made him a bit uncomfortable, he had come across killing intents that made him want to kill himself so this was nothing. Sakura held her hands together she was a bit scared now because the killing intents were too much for her.
The only person that had an abnormal reaction was Naruto. He was staring at a red hair girl like he's seen a ghost. His forehead began burning and was confused why he has the feeling that he knows her some way.
Karin doesn't even know how to use Killing Intent, but sure can sure as hell sense someone looking at her. She looked around to see a strange boy staring back at her with wide surprised eyes.
'His chakra is so bright, so warm ,so welcoming.. How can a shinobi be so pure. It feels abnormal' She became suspicious and felt his chakra more thoroughly and widened her eyes in terror 'W-What is that! It's so dark.. I can feel the wrath.. the bloodlust.. it's like evil itself!' She thought in terror.
Before she can examine the monster before her, a huge plume of smoke erupts at the front of the room.
A giant scarred guy and a number of other ranked Konoha Shinobi stand at the ready behind him. The scarred guy puts a hand on Naruto's shoulder and in an instant, the pain from his forehead vanishes.
Naruto breathes a sigh of relief.
"Alright stop talking, let's began the Exams!"
Forest of Death
There were signs if danger all over fences. It signified that it was a dangerous place. Anko had a too sweet smile upon seeing the forest as if she was familiar with it.
Everyone knew the woman was always at the forest of death playing with her snakes. It was creepy. But that didn't matter to Naruto, he was staring at the Kusa red head with a knowing look. 'Who is that girl? Do I know her.. if I do then where?' He began thinking hard about who he knows with red hair. Blurred images played in his head, almost like something or someone was trying to reach him but suddenly a burning sensation can be felt in his mind. "Arrggg" He squeaks out, in pain from a mysterious headache. 'What's wrong with me?'
Sasuke looked over to him and narrowed his eyes. He's concerned that the pressure would make Naruto snap again.
''This is training ground 44 also known as the 'Forest of Death' it will be the stage of the second chunin selection exam.'' Anko said with a grin.
''This place gives me the creeps.'' Sakura said. She had never been to the place but the weird feeling she was feeling about it was enough to creep her out. Naruto was still lost in thought.
"You will find out soon why this place is called the forest of death.'' Anko said with a smirk. The genins gulped, some shuddered. They did not hope to find out why the place was called a forest of death.
Sasuke could tell that Anko liked to plant seeds of fear within the hearts of other people. Her pathetic attempt is laughable at best.
''Before we start I would like you to sign these papers.'' She said as she held a paper in her hand, the Genin looked at her curiously, ''In this test there will be killings, and I don't want to be responsible for your deaths so you have to sign these wavers.''
The Genin looked at her some thinking they should quit, they were going to do the second test in a place called a forest of death and now there was going to be some killings in the forest, it was too much for some Genins.
"I will explain the test before you sign the wavers. This test will be a survival test; the training ground 44 has locked gates, a river, forest and a tower at the center. From each gate there is about 10km until the tower,'' She paused for a moment to let them digest her words.
''In this training ground you will compete in an all out, no rules scroll battle. Each team will be given one heaven or earth scroll. For a team to pass you have to present both heaven and earth scrolls to the tower in the center of the training ground.
There is a time limit; you have only five days to get into the tower with both scrolls to pass the test. If you arrive after 120 hours you will fail the test. There is not quitting once you enter the training ground. You will in there for five days.'' she said to the listening Genin.
''What about food?'' Choji asked while eating snacks. He was worried that he would have to be trapped in the training ground without barbecue and chips.
''The forest is full of food, all you have to do is avoid man-eating bugs, poisonous insects and plants,'' The genin shuddered at the thought of being eaten by bugs. The forest was indeed a scary place,
''The forest will be full of enemies, so if you get to the tower faster with both scrolls you will avoid enemies,'' She paused for a moment before going on
''Now let's get on to who gets disqualified, the first I have already told you, which is not being able to get to the tower with both scrolls and in time,'' She said as the Genin nodded.
"Second is those who lose a teammate or a teammate gets killed. Lastly you must not open the scroll before you reach the tower. As chunin you be expected to courier important documents. This will be a test to your trustworthiness.'' she finished her explanation to the genins.
''Come on now and take the wavers and sign them!'' She said as the genins went over to her and took the wavers to sign. Some were hesitant to do so, but everyone singed them and handed them to Anko. She had given each team their scroll, but did it in a way that no team would know which team held an earth or heaven scroll.
This would avoid a team going to a specific team; it would also cut down numbers because a team would take a scroll from another team they have defeated even though it is the same as theirs.
She did not tell them that, they did not need to know it. ''Final word of advice, don't get killed!'' She said with a maniacal grin that had the Genin think that she wanted them to kill each other. Each team went away to their assigned gate and got ready for the second test.
Team 7 heard the gates being announced for the different teams, his team was assigned gate 12. With a simple nod of their head they turned and began walking. Waiting for the signal to start, Naruto spoke out loud.
"H-Hey you guys... uh there's a girl from Kusa I want to talk to. I have a weird feeling everytime I look at her. I need to know why I have this feeling.. It's like a weird sensation in my head" Naruto said sheepishly and still confused.
That knowledge stunned Sasuke but confused Sakura , but saving him from the questions a unusual Genin from Grass Country appeared. The one with the messy chakra that no one can tell whether it's a male or a female. It chimed in , hearing the conversation while walking.
"Oh my... you're interested in the Uzumaki?" The mystery Genin asks in a rhetorical way. It approaches them fearlessly, which alone is enough to make Team 7 nervous. Naruto forehead started burning again when hearing that name.
"Leave" Sasuke dismisses the intruder, feeling uncomfortable for its appearance.
"Kukuku, so cold Konoha-kun." Kusa-nin chuckles sickly. "I am something of a historian, I cannot help but feel attracted to discussing a clan as legendary as the Uzumaki."
"If you don't have anything useful to say, then leave."
The Kusa-nin chuckles again, completely ignoring the rude tone
"I am rather surprised that you need to ask about the Uzumaki. After all, they were a key component in the creation of Konoha. It is said that their strength was matched only by the Uchiha and Senju in that time. The Uzumaki pioneered Fuinjutsu as a Shinobi art. Even your Yondaime Hokage used Uzumaki knowledge, and became feared as the 'Yellow Flash' all across the world. A most valuable ally... but even they were not immune to tragedy. All of their mythical strong chakra was not enough to stop them from being slaughtered -"
Before it continued, it was cut off, a kunai slung through the air and slices the tag off the Kusa-nin hat. The Kusa-nin doesn't so much as flinch, and instead smiles a little wider.
Mitarashi Anko, the proctor for this stage of the exam, looks none-too-pleased with being ignored in spite of the grin on her face.
"I think you'd better go back to your team, before you say too much Grass-chan." Anko's smile is disturbingly similar to the subject of her torment.
"Kukuku, of course proctor-san." The Genin gives her an unsatisfactory response and leaves as requested.
Naruto sees the ninja walk away but his confused expression doesn't change. 'So I have a clan, but why I don't feel surprised? Why do I feel anger swelling up within me? Dammmit what is wrong with me?' He questioned mentally. He grabbed his chest as his heart started beating rapidly. He then clasped his head in pain once again.
Sasuke put a hand on his shoulder, "Naruto are you okay?" Naruto instead of verbally asking, just nods with a grimace on his face.
Few Hours Later
The three Genins gathered around each other planning their next move "That proves that we can't just trust appearances, we have to come up with a way of knowing each of us is who we say we are, and not some imposter using some transformation Jutsu." Sasuke said firmly
Naruto shook his head in agreement "That makes sense."
"Alright, so what do we do?"
"We need some form of password.." The Uchiha answered
"Uh? What kind of password."
"A secret one, something known only by the three of us. And don't trust anyone that doesn't know it. No matter what."
Everyone nodded in agreement and after a moment of silence, Sasuke continued. "Okay listen closely, because I'm going to say this once. The question will be 'When do a ninja strike?' And your response is 'A ninja waits until the time is right. When the enemy sleeps and drops his guard, when his weapons lie forgotten in the silliness of the night, that is the moment a ninja strikes. Got it?" He said firmly
Sakura nodded with vigor, "I got it"
While Naruto still had a blank confused expression on his face. "You got something a bit shorter?.."
Both sighed , "No Naruto, that's it." Sasuke said with finality
"Come on, What's wrong? Didn't you get it, I memorized it easily" Sakura said irritated
Naruto still confused, shrugged his shoulders "what do you mean, I get it.. I was just making sure you got it. No problem! I just thought it was going to be a password not a pass speech."
Sasuke shook his head at his friends antics "Alright then, I'll take the scroll."
"Wait Sasuke, I thought we-" Naruto eyes widened at a sensation "GET BEHIND ME!" He went through a flurry of hand seals and activated a C Rank, Wind Jutsu.
Wind Release : Wind Dome
A dome of wind encased all of Team 7 like a shield when a strong wind jutsu crashed into it. Naruto snarled as he put his all into the Wind Dome. Atlas as heroic it was he only lasted about 5 seconds before..
!!BOOOOM!!
The explosion separated Team 7 from each other as dust uprooted from the ground, covering everyone field of vision. From a distance you see three Grass shinobi standing at the end of the trench.
"Alright, you two fan out into the woods and keep your eyes open. I'll take care these three alone." The weird looking Genin said. Both nodded and disappeared in opposite directions.
The dust slowly drifted away from the forest and you see Sasuke pressing a kunai towards Sakura, making sure she isn't a spy. Once She proved she wasn't, the loud mouth orange clad ninja walked onto the scene.
"Whew, hey what's up! You guys okay!?" The blonde said, running up towards them. He stop when both Sakura and Sasuke tensed and raised their Kunai.
"Don't come any closer.. What's the password?" Sakura demanded.
The blonde dawned a ominous smile, "Oh sure no problem! Okay, a ninja wai-
WHACK
He was cut off when another Naruto kick him across the face. He landed smiling cockily, rubbing his nose. "Heh.. you think they'll fall for some cheap trick like that. You can never be me, you're just a cheap knockoff. I'm Naruto Uzumaki dammit! THE NEXT HOKAGE!"
Both Sasuke and Sakura sighed tiredly 'Yeah.. That's the real one'
The fake Naruto tongue extended as he licked the blood off his face. "Aren't we the clever ones." And in a poof of smoke, it revealed the weird Grass nin from earlier.
Naruto eyes widened "It's you.." Sakura began to step back in fear as Sasuke activated his Sharingan.
The Grass nin smiled and pulled out a earth scroll "Oh? You'd love to get your hands on this scroll huh? Kuukuku" it chuckled and shoved the scroll down her throat. Suddenly, she's slammed her hand on the ground. "You must past a test before I gift it to you.."
Summoning Jutsu
In a poof of smoke a huge brown snake rushed towards Team 7.
Sasuke pushed Naruto out the way saving him. When the snake turned around it dashed at them again. Both looked at each and nodded. Jumping in opposite directions Naruto and Sasuke hopped through the trees with Ninja wire in hand. Dodging and weaving through attacks from the giant snake. After a while it was tied up from head to tail.
"Now Sasuke!!" Naruto screamed as he went through hand seals
Wind Release : Wind Bullet Barrage
"Right!" Sasuke did the same, while jumping in the air for a combination technique.
Fire Release : Phenix Flower Jutsu
When both baseball size attacks combined, a barrage of Great Fire Ball Jutsu rained from the sky. Turning two respectable C Rank Jutsu to a A Rank Jutsu. The Grass smiled and nodded her head. She's impressed by the display of teamwork.
!!BOOOM!!
The dust clear to see Naruto and Sasuke side by side planting but smiling triumphantly. However that small feeling of victory was stripped away when they heard clapping sounds.
"Bravo! Encore! Encore! What a marvelous display! But unfortunately I only need the Uchiha.." The Grass Nin said ominously
Another giant snake appeared out of no where and swallowed Naruto whole and slithered away.
"NARUTO!!!" Both Sakura and Sasuke screamed in horror.
Sasuke and Sakura were terrified. That would be the only way to explain what they were both experiencing right about now, in front of them stood a Grass kunoichi who unleashed such killer intent that it made Sasuke Uchiha remember the massacre that befell his clan when he was 6. Even after so many years of trying to cope with his losses, he still found himself vomiting his breakfast out at the slightest memory of that night.
Sakura wasn't doing much better as she was a simple civilian-born girl who had for the most part neglected her training in the academy and later on when she had graduated as well. This level of ki (killing intent) was far above what she experienced during the mission to the land of waves, and there she had fazed down Zabuza Momochi, The Demon Of The Mist.
"Ku ku ku, dear Sasuke-kun, we're finally alone." The crazy woman said, not acknowledging Sakura presence. She stared him down with barely contained glee. Sasuke however was mentally in turmoil, is Naruto dead.. someone he considered the closest thing of family is gone. Slowly his eyes glowed ominously as his third Tome spun to life.
Elsewhere in the forest, another interesting situation was taking place right around the same time, Naruto was currently being swallowed whole by a snake around the size of a normal house. Down in the gutter, he was contemplating on what the hell he should do. He already knew how to get out of the snake's gut but was drawing it out by mentally berating himself for getting swallowed in the first place.
His thoughts were broken off when he felt a large ki signature off to the south where his team had been located, and in seconds he panicked and made a sea of shadow clones without the use of hand seals.
As he had expected, the snake's gut literally exploded in a shower of guts and gore that painted the forest floor red with blood, and all his clones fell to the ground and dispelled sending their very short memories into the skull of the original who landed gracefully on a branch. Or he would have if his left food hadn't slipped in a stray pool of blood and sent him falling on his back in a very uncool manner.
"Aww that was so uncool..." the blond whined to himself. His eyes moved to the battlefield, and within the next moment, the blond ninja was gone and heading for the fight that he could both sense and hear raging on. While jumping through the trees, he couldn't help but think of the worst so his anger start building up, he feels a burning sensation on his head but chose to ignore it, then suddenly without knowing, a thin line of red chakra oozed out from him.
Back on the battlefield, Sasuke and the Grass Nin were hot In battle with each other at the moment, the Uchiha had initially been scared out of his mind when he had met and tried to escape from the crazy lady. However, when Naruto got swallowed whole, he went on a minor rage indused berserker spree, and tried everything he could to land a strike on the enemy.
Sakura on the other hand was sitting silently a small distance away on a branch shaking in her boots with how scared she was, never in her wildest dreams had she imagined herself in a situation like this one where her lived was barely the concern of her black haired teammate, sure she had been in a similar situation back in wave country, but back then Sasuke had at least seemed a little concerned with her actions unlike now where he was nothing more than a raging berserker. It scared her even more than the snake lady to see her love acting like this.
She was brought out of her thoughts at the sight of Sasuke getting thrown into a tree branch and staying embedded which spurred her into action. "Sasuke kun!" she called as he started falling from the branch and she knew that she wouldn't catch him in time. The Grass Nin saw this too and was about to move in to at least save the boy's life so he could get ahold of him later on. However, before either of them could get to him, an orange and red blur shot past them both and caught Sasuke before landing firmly on a tree branch with its back turned to them both.
"N-Naruto..." Sasuke said in shock
Initially, Sakura panicked at a potential threat, though his worries were washed aside immediately when seeing the tell-tale orange pants and the wild blond hair that gently blew in the wind. Wait... wild blond hair? Naruto always had orange and stiff hair so could this guy really be him, she couldn't be sure with so many enemies around them all at once. "N... Naruto, is that you?" she called but received no response, instead, there was a sudden puff of smoke beside the Naruto look alike, and a brand new Naruto suddenly appeared on the branch.
Both Sasuke and Sakura looked slightly confused, while the Grass Nin narrowed her eyes, 'A Shadow clone without hand seals? Kabuto didn't tell me that this boy could do seal-less Jutsu.And what's that seal? Oh? How devious..' She thought as he smiled to herself. The clone already knew what to do as it picked up Sasuke and turned to Sakura before jumping down to her, she was unsure until she saw the lone azure blue eye that reminded her of sapphires which was a tell-tale Naruto sign.
"Sasuke, Sakura, we need to move some distance away while the boss fights this snake creep." Sakura could only muster a small nod in reply as she gazed back at the original Naruto to see that he still had his back turned to them both while the snake lady or man, was observing him.
"Naruto! Just call and I'll come alright!" she called out to reassure her teammate of her support even though she was scared shitless in the snake teme's presence. For the first time since he had gotten there, Naruto turned around causing Sakura to gasp. In place of his sapphire blue eyes now were a pair of blood-red eyes with black slits going vertically down like a feline of some kind, perhaps a cat or maybe a fox. Also oddly enough a seal pulsating on his forehead. "Thank you Sakura-chan, but you need to move now."
Once again she was taken by surprise, Naruto just spoke to her in such a serious and cold tone that she almost wondered if this was Naruto that she saw in front of her right now. However, one glare from him was enough to send shivers down her spine and make her run after the clone. When she was gone the blond heard the sound of his opponent cackling. "Kukuku Naruto-kun, you shouldn't glare at your allies like that you know." He received a snarl in return as the blond's gaze hardened further into a deep frown, "I don't know who you are but you're going to pay for hurting them!"
His answer made the Grass Nin grin as she reached up and ripped off her snake mask to reveal his true pale face to the world, "Ah what a resilient one you are Naruto-Kun, but you shouldn't stick your nose in business that has nothing to do with you."
The blonde was disgusted by the display, then Naruto's snarl turned into a low growl as he spat his next words, "When you target my team, then it becomes my business you bastard"
"I should surmise that you're surrounded by the Kyuubi's chakra right now correct but how? Isn't that seal on your head suppressing your Yang chakra?" Asked the snake to which Naruto frowned and sent a large dose of killing intent toward Orochimaru who wasn't even faced by it. "It's impressive that you can input this amount of negative emotions with that Yin seal on you but is that all you can do Naruto, or do we have to throw down to find out everything?" Orochimaru said mockingly
Naruto lowered himself into a taijutsu stance that he developed while training with Sasuke a Sharingan user. Orochimaru hadn't seen before which intrigued him slightly, which was shown with a barely raised eyebrow.
The blond container roared as he launched himself forward with enough force to shatter the branch he stood on, of course, this was nothing to Orochimaru who simply stepped to the side and allowed the blond missile to impact the wood he stood on. Barely half a second later the blond came out on all four and threw punches, claw slashed, and supported sidekicks at the snake who simply blocked, parried, or sidestepped every attempt.
Naruto was already slightly influenced by the demonic chakra that flowed through his veins which made him a little more animalistic and aggressive by nature. This of course led him to be more prone to anger and aggressive outbursts when using this chakra, so seeing someone toying with him like this made his blood boil and anger shine through.
Landing on all fours on a tree trunk that was facing the teme, he launched himself forward and made to punch Orochimaru in the face. He was however sidestepped and forced to try and wiggle his way around in the air to avoid a high kick from the teme right afterward. Luckily for the blond, he managed to get one of his hands on the branch that they were fighting on, and used it along with his upper body strength, to pull him out of the way of Orochimaru's attack. Then using his pure battle instincts, he lashed out with a dropkick while only balancing himself with one arm on the branch while the other swung in the air.
Orochimaru however wasn't a sannin for nothing and dodged the attack with ease before spinning 360 degrees around and sending a powerful roundhouse kick into the blond's spine which made it crack as he was sent flying into another tree where he stayed stock still. 'The sharingan pales in comparison to the Nine-Tails' power. Kukuku, he will make a better vessel for me than Sasuke.' Orochimaru thought. Having made up his mind he formed three hand seals. Naruto slowly recovered and turned toward the tree branch Orochimaru was perched on.
"You put on that much of a fight while half your potential is sealed away? Well done, Naruto. You passed with flying colors." Orochimaru said. Naruto gave Orochimaru a confused look.
"What do you mean 'passed'?" Naruto asked. Orochimaru continued to smile his crooked smile.
"You have proven to me that you are superior to Sasuke. That the power of the Nine-Tails is far more powerful than the sharingan. So now I've decide to make you whole again... consider it a gift." Orochimaru said. Suddenly, Orochimaru's neck extended before he reached Naruto and bit the left side of his neck.
"AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!" Naruto screamed in agony.
"Curse Mark of Heaven Seal!" Orochimaru muttered before he retracted his neck. Naruto dropped to his knees as he grabbed where Orochimaru bit him. Naruto's features briefly changed then returned to normal as the pain coursed through his body.
"NARUTO!" The both screamed, Sasuke snarled at Orochimaru and dashed towards him.
Hours Later
"The mission is simple," A older women stated to a small group of eight Sound Ninja, "You guys swoop in and kill the brat. If his teammates interfere, then you kill them too, got it?" The eight shinobi, Dosu, Kin, Zaku, Jirobo, Sakon, Tayuya and two random Joūnin all nodded.
Their mission was to kill Naruto Uzumaki. Guren didn't know why, but she didn't necessarily care either way.
"Eight of us seems kinda overkill," Sakon stated as he licked his lips at the thought of spilling blood. Guren shook her head.
"Lord Orochimaru said that this boy can possibly rival Kakashi Hatake. If he wakes up, it'll take all of you to take him down, and even then it won't be easy. I'll stay behind just in case you eight are defeated. Stay on guard." She said seriously.
Zaku, one of the Genins scoffed. "He's just a brat, he can't kill all of us." Jirobo shook his head at the arrogance of the young one, but they emerged from the bushes where a beaten up Sakura was taking care of a terribly beaten up Sasuke and barely breathing Naruto.
"W-Who are you?" Sakura asked as she held up a kunai, narrowing her green eyes at the group before her.
Tayuya gave a mock bow.
"Just common ninja of course," She replied sarcastically. "And we're here to kill blondie over there. Just stay out of our way and we won't kill you," Sakura shook her head, denying them easy access.
"I may look weak, but I've gotten stronger since l've become a Genin!" She shouted, raising her kunai as she got into a stance, signaling that the fight had begun. Tayuya let out a small sigh.
"Fine, we'll do it your way. Jirobo, Zaku, Kin, kill her." The three Sound Ninja charged forward, eager grins on their faces before a flash of green made them all fall onto their asses, dumbfounded as they nursed their jaws.
"I am the handsome Rock Lee, and I will protect the beautiful Sakura with everything I have!" Rock Lee proclaimed proudly, Sakon rolled his eyes.
"More Leaf trash? Fine, I'll take care of him," He said before Dosu stopped him, the bandaged boy peering at Rock Lee curiously.
"No, I think he surpasses all of us in brute strength and taijutsu, even Jirobo, no offense. But...," He held up his arm, revealing an all-metal thing before a blast came from it, hitting Rock Lee straight on, his vision going blurry as his ears had a ringing in them. Tayuya smirked.
"Good work, Dosu. Now hurry up and kill the freak so we can kill the pink." She ordered. Jirobo punched Lee straight in the face, sending him back into a tree where he crashed, making the tree vibrate as a few leaves fall down.
Zaku and Kin charged Sakura as the engaged in a completely one-sided fight. Zaku and Kin's teamwork were just too good for Sakura to handle as Kin suddenly caught her by the hair and had a kunai at her throat.
"This could've been a lot easier, but you stupid Leaf Nin always gotta make things difficult," Kin muttered under her breath as a grin came across her face.
"Your hair is silky, I'm kinda jealous, to be honest, I wish my hair was this good." Sakura gritted her teeth in pain before she took out a kunai and cut her long hair, shortening it to just above her shoulders.
She backed away from Kin before stabbing the girl in her calf, causing her to fall to her knees in agony before she whirled around and killed Kin with a quick swipe to her throat, blood spilling out like a waterfall.
"Kin!" Zaku shouted in anger before he began punching Sakura in the face ruthlessly, giving her plenty of hits that would turn to bruises. He then dropped her to the ground as he prepared to give her a killing blow.
"Zaku, just finish her already," Tayuya said, slightly annoyed. She didn't particularly care for Kin so it didn't matter that she died, but she was annoyed that Lord Orochimaru would most likely be displeased about this development.
Suddenly, a dark, malicious chakra filled with rage and hatred exploded from the tree trunk Sasuke and Naruto resided in, getting everyone's attention. When Orochimaru placed his seal on Naruto, he never knew that he had opened a proverbial can of worms. He made a mess that was so great and terrible that he was sure to regret ever sending people to kill him. Placing a curse seal on top of the Yin seal completely override it and revealed the true Naruto.
Naruto emerged from the tree, his eye red with the black slits glowing as black marks were spread across his body. He just stared at his hands, being trapped in that cage he haven't felt this free for months. A small smile etched on his face. It started as a chuckle then it turned to a full out manic laughter.
"HEEEHAHAHAAA!!!!" The spine-shilling laughter echoed throughout the forest.
On the edge of the Forest even the sand siblings became terrified when a cold laughter echoed through the forest. Temari and Kankuro froze for a second while looking at their youngest brother Sabaku no Gaara. To their surprise, Gaara was on his knees while clutching his forehead and shivering.
He suddenly said with a voice full of devotion, "Mother, do not be afraid! I will kill the person who made this sound. You will not have to worry about him."
Temari nearly had a heart attack; there was something in this forest that could even scare a Bijuu. She hoped to never face someone like him in battle. All across the forest, people and even animals had a similar reaction the laughter.
"Na..Naruto?" Sakura questioned, she is scared. This feeling of death reminds her of Orochimaru. There's no way this is the same goofy blonde she grew to love as a brother. She can't accept it, she won't.
"N-No fucking way," Tayuya cursed out loud. Seeing he's still not paying attention, she screamed at her comrades "Attack him now while we have the chance!"
A Reddish Purple chakra exploded from his body, halting everyone in their tracks as they looked at the blonde with a mix of curiosity and fear.
"Finally.." Naruto began, he then looked at his Pink hair teammate. "Sakura.. Who did this to you?"
She began shaking at the feeling of his chakra, it felt so ominous so dark yet familiar. When did she experience this power before? She couldn't remember, it was almost as if there was a blank in her memories. Before she spoke out loud, Zaku spoke up.
"I did you, tattooed freak, what the fuck are you gonna do about-" Zaku began smugly but was cut off as a chakra infused clawed hand found themselves deep into his throat, busting his head of his shoulders, killing him instantly.
"Who's next?" The blonde said with a fierce gaze
Jirobo snarled and charged towards blonde, right behind him Sakon is trailing. Jirobo level 2 curse mark glowed into life as he turned into a ghoulish beast and with a roar he slammed his fist towards the blonde. "YOU BASTARD" A small explosion and crater was caused as Naruto swiftly jumped over the big beast and drop kick Sakon behind Jirobo. As Sakon went flying, the big beast turned around and went through a flurry of hand seals.
"Earth Style: Sphere of Graves"
A huge bolder made from rock in his hands and with the strength to destroy a mountain, he hurled the big bolder towards the blonde. "Son of a bitch," Tayuya muttered before she disappeared, leaving Dosu all by himself. Dosu in a panic jumped out the way.
Naruto stared at the rock impassively before his channeled corrosive chakra to his hands and put both arms in a X motion. He uttered a single word.
"Cleave"
With a single swipe the bolder was cut in fourths. It left Jirobo completely bewildered but not deterred but unfortunately for him, before he tried to do another Earth Jutsu, Naruto in a blur, with a sword made of Kyuubi's chakra sliced him in half. Jirobo fell to the ground, left there to bleed out.
Naruto spat at Jirobo corpse, "Pathetic" He turned around as he felt two separate chakra surge in power. Nothing was shown on his face except a single eye brow raised, curious on their changed form.
As two of Orochimaru's closest and most powerful warriors, Sakon and Ukon powered up in their Level 2 form, they resembled oni as their skin become red, gains yellow eye irises with dark black eye sclerae, and black curved markings appears from the corners of their eyes a upward fashion. Their fingernails becomes longer and sharp, lips turns black and their mouth is torn from ear to ear and gains canine teeth.
They gain long, waist-length white hair, their chins elongated, and a single long horn grows on opposite sides for each brother's foreheads. Symmetrically on opposite sides of their bodies, their hardened skin turns black and folds like scales, appearing like spiky armour on their arms and legs. Beside them two where two random Sound Joūnin.
The blonde looked at the men with an expressionless mask. A smile crept in his face as he began laughed slowly as he licked his sharp teeth in anticipation.
"Come you insects! I must test this body." Naruto said ominously with a crazed look in his eyes.
One of them, having heard enough lunged towards him but having the power and fighting experience of a centuries old Tailed Beast, 'Naruto' could see the shinobi coming all the way. The man stabbed a kunai towards his face. Naruto side stepped the strike and twisted around swiftly. He lifted his clawed right hand and ripped off the man's shoulder, sending his arm flying off. The Sound Joūnin screamed in agony until the blonde back handed him away.
The boy laughed in sadistic glee "HEEAHAHAAA!!! With that level of speed killing you would be considered a mercy." The blonde mocked.
Sakon sneered at him and responded by dashing towards him twisting clockwise, while swinging his right leg. Naruto watched the incoming attack and jumped back, slightly, avoiding the kick.
When his left foot touched down the ground, the blonde sensed more movements. A second after touching the ground, another Sound Joūnin, flashed just above him, and he swung his sword in a downward slash that was aimed at his right shoulder. Naruto leapt into the air, and twisted around. He slammed his foot on the back of the man's head, sending him flying away.
Naruto then landed on the ground. He then heard something approaching.
Fire Style : Grand Fireball Jutsu
The fire ball was coming in from behind. It was a pathetic excuse for a fire. Almost lazily, swiped his right clawed hand and the flames just died down in the blink of an eye.
"You are nothing but insects, unworthy to even stand before me. It is quite pathetic really for the dogs who serves Orochimaru. Your power is nothing compared to mine…" Naruto said with a shake of his head. "Come, let me end your suffering…" he said motioning for them to come.
When they didn't attack him, he became impatient so Naruto picked up the discarded kunais from the ground. He held them all with just his left hand and then flung them towards the sound shinobi while charging forward in a burst of speed.
The sound Joūnin dodged the kunai by tilting his head to the side. When he saw Naruto coming, he threw a right hook, but to the blonde; the speeds he reached compared to them, everything seemed to slow down. Sidestepping the attack he watched the punch fly past him with both eyes. He held out his right hand and channeled corrosive chakra. He swung it and cut through the man's midsection, separating his torso from his waist.
The gurgled sound of agony echoed throughout as the man pathetically attempted to crawl away. 'Naruto' smiled savagely as he walked to the man before he dropped dead.
"Come now, dying by bleeding out would be too boring now wouldn't it..." The blonde said ominously as he planted his foot on the masked man head. Naruto applied pressure, the man's eyes bulged before his skull was completely crushed.
Quickly Naruto fell on his back when he saw another Sound Joūnin stomping downwards. He rolled to the side just once to avoid the blow. When the man's foot crashed into the ground, Naruto's right hand moved swiftly with his corrosive claws still activated. The nails cut through the man's left leg, just above his knee. He stood up and another swing cut deep through the jugular and blood gushed out as the man fell down headless.
"Only two more insects to go, COME FACE YOUR JUDGEMENT!!" He roared
Sakon and Ukon snarled at being underestimated "You bastard, don't look down on us!" both brothers charged towards him, Naruto stood still and waited for what felt like eternity. They flanked both his sides, swinging their fist at the same time. The punch connected and the brothers smirked deviously. "You fool, we got you! HeeHaHa!" Sakon and Ukon roared in laughter. With level two of their cursed seal, Sakon and Ukon could deconstruct their body on a molecular level and enter an opponent's body. At that point they were able to alter the cells and proteins of the target at will, effectively killing them, and then leaving the target to reconstruct their own body again.
Naruto suddenly smiled, which stopped their laughter.
"Did you?" The blonde said before proofing away in smoke.
"No way.. C-Clone!!" Both screamed out in confusion
The blonde flashed behind the Sakon who'd attacked him from the left, he grabbed him by the back of his neck and pushed him towards his brother. He shifted to the right and plunged his clawed hand through both of them. Piercing their heart simultaneously.
When both dropped dead his eyes turned to Dosu, who was quite literally shaking in his boots. "Let's see what I can do to you, okay?" His neck twisted as he suddenly appeared behind Dosu, grabbing the teen's arms and pulling them from behind him as he placed a foot on Dosu's back before he began pulling.
"Based on your fight with Lee I noticed you seem awfully attached to those arms of yours"
Naruto said as the black markings on his skin glowing even more. "It'd be a shame, if you were to," He pulled back with all of his strength as the two arms ripped out of their sockets and off of Dosu's body. "Lose them!"
Dosu screamed in agony as the now armless boy laid there, screaming in pain as he withered away. Naruto watched as the teen slowly died from blood loss as he stopped moving. He then looked at a terrified Sakura and a now awake Sasuke. and said nothing, simply walked towards his team.
Sauske narrowed his eyes at Naruto, he knows something changed. He just hope he's not a threat. The blonde entire aura is different, and in his state he couldn't defend himself. Sakura still a bit scared felt relieved. She's just glad Naruto is alive and well. Despite the obvious showing of brutality before her.
Sakura smiled shakily "N-Naruto I'm glad your okay, we sh-" she was cut off
"You two should camp here for the night. We will move out in the morning. I'll be back."
Naruto looked at both his teammates with cold and dispassionate eyes then looked in the direction he sensed the Uzumaki girl chakra. Before they can combat his decision he disappeared. Sasuke watch his teammate dash away, clenched his fist. 'This is bad, I need to alert Kakashi of this..' He thought to himself.
Across the Forest of Death, Naruto dashes nimbly over roots and rocks and he finds his quarry being attacked by a gigantic bear. Effortlessly he channeled a bit of Kyuubi's power to his hand turning it to claws, which bury deep into the tough skin of the bear. The last last swipe splits its head when the bear is immobilized, killing it before it can suffer for too long.
He then lands in front of the Uzumaki girl and smiles softly.
"I've been looking for you." Naruto small smile scares her. She is stuck to the spot in pure fear by this monster. Sense the malice from the blonde's curse seal. She's afraid that he'll kill her.
"Please don't kill me!" She begged
"I won't kill you, or hurt you. Say.. What's your name?" Naruto soothes gently.
"Karin." She cries quietly while introducing herself.
"Karin, that's a beautiful name, I'm Naruto please don't cry.." He moved a bit closer to her, she shuffled a little clearly unsure of this person. He started walking towards her until sensed someone behind him.
His eyes darken and he stood straight up. "Stop hiding and state your business."
"Orochimaru sent me to test you..." A women voice sounded out as she came out the bushes.
Naruto turned around, he expected to see someone cruel, not a woman. It was upsetting that he had to continue this. Obviously this was bound to make things complicated. He needed to talk to that Kusa girl, but it would be difficult if this woman was him. He narrows his eyes at the amount of chakra she poses, most likely Joūnin level if he sensed correctly.
"She's more powerful then the children you've faced. Don't let your guard down Naruto." A dark voice from his head said. Shoving the voice to the back of his head, Naruto turned around completely. "Who are you" His curse mark still pulsating with power.
"I'm Orochimaru number 3, Guren" She said smiling cruelly. The blonde closed his eyes and shook his head.
"I have no business with you.. go pick up the corpses of your comrades and leave me be." Naruto said ignoring her.
He closed his eyes for a couple of minutes and was forced to snap them open when he sensed projectiles moving toward him. Crystal blades were hurled toward his figure in speed. They all hit him, simultaneously before he disappeared in a puff of smoke. The real Naruto landed on the ground, just below the tree and looked around with a slight frown.
Guren suddenly appeared in front of him; a blue crystal blade formed around her arm, as she swiped her right hand towards his face. Naruto took a step back, watching the blade pass his face before slamming into the tree's trunk with his back. Guren took another step forward, swinging her blade across his face once more.
"Crystal Release: Crystal Lance!"
Simultaneously, another Guren jumped in above the first clone. She formed a huge blue crystal lance, and then drove it towards Naruto's chest. The first Guren flashed out of the way, clearing the way for the lance, which was aimed straight towards his chest. Naruto channeled chakra into his legs, and then jumped up. He caught the lance between his knees while in mid-air and then held flashed a wind enhanced kunai straight at Guren's forehead. The kunai hit her in her forehead, and then she collapsed into nothingness, along with the lance.
When Naruto landed down, he was forced to fold his hands across his chest when Guren suddenly appeared out of nowhere, in front of him, slightly above the ground; her right foot, swinging towards his chest. When the kick connected with his hands, he winced slightly, feeling that he was hit by something hard. The kick pushed him back into the tree's trunk.
The moment he touched the tree with his back, a crystal blade pierced through the tree from the other side. Naruto was forced to bring both his hands, behind, to block the tip of the blade from piercing through his back, just about the spine. He had covered his hands with chakra, to give it a bit of defensive capabilities. While the blade was able to pierce through the tree, it didn't cut through his hands. When the Guren in front of him lunged at him once more, Naruto, inhaled air.
"Wind Style: Great Wind Breakthrough!"
He released a powerful gust of wind that slammed into Guren within seconds. The moment it connected with her, it sent her crashing backwards.
Seeing an opportunity, Naruto disappeared in a blur. He appeared behind Guren, a little below her and then grabbed her right foot. He twisted around, before hurling her towards a tree. She remarkably, twisted several times, and then hit a tree with both her feet, standing upside down, but her eyes straight directly at him. She was the real one alright.
"You're better than those children your master sent. Guren… that is your name, yes?" Naruto stated in a measured tone.
Guren did not leave from the tree. She remained in her position, staring at him with calculating eyes. He was not making any moves, she realized. It appeared as if his movements were calculated. Even after hurling her, he had remained in the same position. But he was not open. She smiled, at least this was not going to be a bore.
"Come on, keep it up, at least your death will be a glorious one!" She screamed manically.
Naruto looked up for a moment. "Trying to kill me huh? Is this why you sealed off the area?" he asked. Looking at the big dome around him.
"You noticed?"
"Briefly," Naruto said while taking out two kunai. He took a single step forward and then hurled one straight toward Guren. She immediately jumped out of the way, and the kunai just pierced through the tree.
A second later, he was in front of her, his right foot in the air. She didn't wait to be attacked but made a run for it by flashing away from the path the kick. Naruto's foot slammed into the tree. The moment it did, Guren was behind him, flashing a blade across his back. When it connected, he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
She smiled, looking around.
"You made the clones before hand. And your use of them is quite impressive…" she complemented. "But you're going to need more than that to beat me."
"You think?"
Guren's eyes widened slightly, she gnashed her teeth, veins popping over her forehead when Naruto suddenly appeared in front of her. He'd slammed a brutal punch of her gut. She felt as though the intestines were ready to be vomited. How could he punch that hard? How had he even moved that fast? He hadn't been moving that quickly before. She flashed away from him, and landed a distance away, both hands around her gut, but her eyes glaring at him.
When he suddenly disappeared once more, she quickly encased her body in a crystal armor. He was in front of her once more. Guren tried to straighten up, to try to defend herself, but there was no attack that came. Her instincts remained intact as she glared curiously, but out of nowhere, his right hand gripped her by face and then picked her up. It was an iron grip. There was just no way could a normal hand hold her so tightly. She didn't struggle but placed both her hands around his arm, and started to crystalize it. He responded by slamming her to the ground.
!Boom!
A sizeable crater was created when she hit the ground with her back.
Naruto jumped back, creating some distance between him and Guren. This Crystal Release it's a unique bloodline. And dangerous. If not for Kyuubi, he would most likely struggle to break down her defenses. But he didn't want to prolong this. There was no need for that. He wanted to get Karin and go.
"I'm must end this quickly." Naruto said in a serious tone, while taking slow steps towards Guren was now on both her feet.
She hissed. "You dare mock me!"
Guren narrowed her eyes behind. Naruto was standing there, facing the other way, but his right hand was being swung backward, still crystalized. She fell forward, hitting the ground and flipping once before twisting around to face the blond. He was already in front of her, his right knee moving towards her gut. She grinned.
"Crystal Release : Crystal Entrapment!"
Naruto's movements halted, as crystal started forming below him. He glanced down, with curious eyes, and watched as he was quickly enchased by the crystal. Within a moment, he was fully stopped, surrounded by the jutsu.
Guren took a small breath in relief. For a moment, she had been a little fearful. He was indeed strong. The problem she had here was that he was not giving her time to prepare or attack. He was a relentless in his pursuit. But there was no escape now. As soon as she thought that, the crystal started to crack. She didn't dwell on it, but quickly went through hand seals.
When the Crystal shattered around him, Naruto found himself staring at pink eyes of a crystal dragon. He quickly put corrosive chakra in his right clawed hand.
"Cleave" He muttered
It collided with the jutsu's head, slashing it to shreds but the dragon still did not stop. Guren suddenly flashed below him, her right arm encased by crystal. She landed a punch on Naruto's chest. The brutal force behind her punch caused the crystal to shatter and Naruto was picked up from the ground. Before the momentum could send him flying backwards, she grabbed his outstretched hand, and then twisted around with enough force to pull him around. She then hurled him into the trees. As soon as she released him, Guren did more hand seals.
Crystal Release : Crystal Spikes
Naruto looked back, seeing that he was flying straight towards a sharp crystal that threatened to pierce through his back. The crystal had formed from the trunk of the tree he was going to crash into. Naruto couldn't stop his movements. He brought both hands behind, and channeled more of Kyuubi energy into them to offer more protection. Both hands grabbed the crystal shards before he could hit it with his back. It shattered under the force.
While the crystal shattered, Guren flashed behind him, in mid-air. She twisted around, her right foot slammed onto the back of his bead, sending him crashing into the trunk of the tree with his back. "Crystal Release: Crystal Lance!" She shouted, lunging straight toward Naruto aiming for his chest.
Naruto released a bit of chakra and then held out both his hands. He timed everything to perfection to avoid a slip. He then caught the lance between his hands, and pressed in, causing it to crack. A cloudless clone appeared out of thin air, standing on the lance. Without warning, its right foot slammed onto Guren's forehead, hard.
Guren winced. She felt as though the world was spinning. It felt like a hammer had hit her straight on her forehead. Even the rest of her body had trembled slightly. She didn't feel anything as she rocketed backward like a bullet. She only felt the pain when her body crashed into a tree, crushing through it. She closed her eyes, wincing in pain and then skidded on the ground for a few moments before coming to a halt.
Her instincts kicked in when Naruto appeared behind her. A crystal wall sprouted from the ground, just between them. The second it formed, the clone flashed in front of her, and then drove a right punch towards her face. Guren dodged the punch by side-stepping it. The punch hit the wall, shattering it completely. She jumped out of the way, landing atop of a tree branch. She breathed in and out when he didn't immediately attack her.
Naruto looked up to Guren for a moment, before nodding silently. The clone on the side disappeared into thin air. He was certainly not going to give her the time to attack him. She was a powerful kunoichi and things would not be going as they were if he was not using Kyuubi. The extra speed, raw power his energy gave him countered her unique Ninjutsu. He's truly grateful for his partner.
He did a couple of hand seals before releasing a huge amount of chakra. He then clapped his hands in a prayer like motion.
Wind Release : Enraging Hurricane
Guren didn't wait to see what was happening. She immediately jumped into the air, observing what was happening. It just came out of nowhere, when violent winds picked up around the area. She felt her hair stand when the leaves started being blown up, trees being pulled up. It was a violent storm that just suddenly struck the area. Within a couple of moments, debris had started to pick up, trees being hurled into different directions. What caught her attention was the fact that nothing was happening within the immediate location of Naruto. He was still holding his hands together. It just meant that he needed to be still to keep the jutsu active.
She clapped her hands together and then appeared just behind him in the safe zone. She activated her blue blade and tried to swing it towards his back. Before the blade could cut him, another Naruto appeared behind, driving kunai through her right shoulder. Guren crumbled down into small pieces of crystal before disappearing into thin air.
Crystal Release : Crystal Entrapment!"
Both Naruto and the clone became completely encased by crystal. It didn't work the first time, there was no way it was going to work the second time. She was not a believer of the thought that if it doesn't work the first, try it again and again. He was going to break out. She was even relieved when the winds started to die down, the flying trees started to fall. There had been much destruction. It was a powerful jutsu that he used, but at the same time, it had a weakness.
Guren did quick hand seals as the crystal around Naruto began to shatter.
Surprises in fight were never pleasant. But Naruto should have expected this. The moment the crystal shattered, hitting his clone as well, he found himself surrounded by hundreds of crystal blades. He should have expected something to happen. But there was just no way to prepare if she was going to quickly hit him the moment the crystal shattered. He only needed to blink and the blades would hit him. This was not wanted, but he could not avoid it. He blinked, and the blades slammed into him.
!!BOOOOM!!
It was not the collision of the blades that made the sound but it was the explosion of crimson chakra. A chakra that was so evil it made Guren take a slight step backwards. Orochimaru was sinister, but she had never felt chakra so evil and sinister before. The potent chakra surrounded the blond entirely, she could not even see what had happened to her jutsu but she knew, he had been hit. There was just no way he could avoid it, unless he was the yellow flash or the Fourth Raikage.
When the chakra cleared, Naruto was standing in the same position. His clothes were spotting multiple cuts, he had a few cuts that were healing. But it didn't appear that there was something serious. She frowned slightly. But there was still that chakra, although not completely visible, she could still feel it. His skin was even burning. Seal still pulsating with power.
"You fucking bi-" Guren was not allowed to finish her words. "Arg!" She cried in pain, gasping for air after a sickening swipe on her chest that broke her rib cage. She had felt bones shatter, not just break. It came out of nowhere, but Naruto had not hit her. Her last ditch movement to avoid his blow had worked, and he had missed her. But there was an inconceivable force that still hit her. She had not seen it. She would have been sent rocking away, but the moment she was picked up into the air, her left foot was crabbed and then she was slammed to the ground.
Guren cried once more, for the whole seconds, breathing was beyond her. Buried, she gasped for air, while coughing up blood. "Arg!" Once more, she cried. There was no let-up; he stomped on her wounded chest, and she was then forced to stare at the man atop of her.
She sputtered in fear when he gave her a cold look "You've tested my patience enough, now it's running thin. I should kill you but I must thank you for allowing me to experience battle to this degree again.. Go to your master before I change my mind." Naruto said.
Without a word she stood on shaky legs and hobbled away. Finally alone, he turned his attention to the Kusa girl. He smiles.
"Please don't kill me!" She begged once again
"Didn't I tell you I'm not here to kill you?" Naruto soothes gently.
"Listen I'm here because we're both Uzumaki , can't you feel it? Our chakra is similar, look feel for yourself" With wide eyes Karin and Naruto interlock hands. He fully encase the surrounding in his dense chakra his power was like a overflowing ocean. Suddenly chains started wrapping around her like a hug.
Karin closed her eyes and casted her Minds Eye of the Kagura, Her eyes snapped back open in shock at the warmth of his power, her mother always told her that their clan was wiped never in her life she thought she would find a survivor.
"You're really.."
Naruto smiled gently at the recognition in her eyes she realized it that he was telling the truth. He caressed her face gently "Your hair is beautiful.. there's no doubt that you're a Uzumaki and I'm here to save you. You deserve to live a happy life." She blushed the same color of her hair. No never complemented her like this. Naruto traveled to her arms and narrowed his eyes.
"Karin, Your arms.. what happened? Who hurt you?"
Karin shuts her eyes in shame.
Hundreds of bite marks, leaving horrid red scars all over her skin, are plainly visible. The sizes range wildly, making it clear that this is the work of a great many people. "M-My V-Village." Said weakly
"Why?" Naruto anger building is evident.
Karin sniffles. "My chakra heals people. Kusa makes its Shinobi bite me to get better quickly. They used up my Kaa-chan and they're doing the same to me."
Naruto looks in the heavens. His face is blank as stone. He will burn Kusa to the ground. Those thoughts is crossing his dark mind.
"No one will ever bite you again" He said firmly
"I don't have a choice." Bitter tears steam from her eyes.
"You do now." Naruto insists.
Karin looks up at him this time.
Naruto's chakra continues to stream out slowly, letting Karin feel up close just how similar their chakra is. She crawls to him, hoping it's all not some cruel dream or illusion. Naruto lets her feel his arms and the chakra that exudes from it. Her own chakra resonates with it, making splashes of light blue chakra flick off their skin joyously.
"Welcome home, Karin."
She throws her arms around him and sobs into his chest. He became like a shield for her. The light that outshine the darkness.
"I swear I will protect you." He continues
Karin remains glued to Naruto for their short journey to the edge of the village.
"What if your village say no?"
"What they say doesn't matter we're going find somewhere else that we can be together. Either way I'll keep you by my side."
Karin melts at Naruto's words. She quickly discards the Kusa forehead protector and leaves it littered on the cold ground. Both stopped suddenly.
"Naru?" Karin asked in confusion. Naruto stepped to the side and cut his hand. He then used his blood to create a intricate seal on the ground. He put his hand in a prayer motion and closed his eyes. "Give me a second Karin" He asked softly, she nodded at the request.
"Kurama, leave me with 3 tails worth of chakra" He muttered. The seal glowed as his eyes snapped open
"Blood Clone Technique" He exclaimed.
Slowly a human formed out the blood, he then looked at the clone with a serious visage on his face, "You'll complete the Exams and I can't break character. The world needs to think I'm still the stupid, docile idiot. Don't break character I'll take care of Karin. You already know what to do after that. Do as planned."
Naruto then looked to Karin and smiled softly, "Alright, let's go Karin, we need to leave." She nodded and snuggle on his side as they left the village.
After traveling a few days and a half , Naruto and Karin finally reached the bridge in Wave country. Stopping he turned to Karin
She looked at him worriedly "What's wrong Naru? Is everything okay?"
He a dawned a small smile and nodded. "Yes Karin everything is okay, but I have to leave you here for the time being. I need to tie up some loose ends.."
Karin eyes widened, she just got with him and now she's losing him already "N-No, take me with you! I won't slow you down just don't leave me please!"
Naruto became somewhat solemn "Karin look at me.." Darkness shrouded his figure. The red head became somewhat scared. He continued, "Look at the darkness around me.. you won't find peace with me right now. There's nothing but another battlefield."
She closed her eyes in fear, feeling the intense pressure emitting from him then suddenly it disappeared, he rose her chin upwards in a loving manner "We'll see each other soon." She nodded sadly accepting the reality of things.
She nodded in understanding and hugged him tightly, he smiled and reciprocated the hug back.
She looked up "Promise me you'll come back to me Naru" He chuckled and kiss her lightly on the forehead
"You have my word my princess" He gave her the most loving smile he can muster. She blushed Cherry red once again. He pulled out his wallet and gave it to her.
"Here is some money, get a hotel and if you see an old drunk named Tazuna just say you know me. He'll help you out, okay?"
She smiled and nodded
"I'll see you soon" He said and disappeared, he soon reappeared in-front of a grave sight. It was a quiet, solemn place where only a few knew the true significance of what lay there. Naruto wore a serious expression as he approached the tombstone, his heart heavy with memories of the past.
Naruto closed his eyes and slipped into the dark recesses of his mind. His cerulean gaze snapped open and he willed the mental landscape to shift. The dank and rancid sewer changed into a vast green field of blue flowers. Uzumaki Naruto stepped forward and made his way to the large tree in the expansive clearing. He turned his gaze towards his caged friend and inclined his head towards the ancient beast respectfully.
"Hello Kurama," he intoned lowly. "It has been a while but we're finally free. Temporarily at least."
The blond took a seat on the soft blades of grass and leaned against the large tree. The nine tailed fox stepped towards the bars of his cage and he stared at him with an unblinking crimson gaze.
"It has been a while. I commend you on finally deciding to leave this village and indeed it is temporary once the curse seal recedes, the Yin seal will activate again. But remember if you die the Izanagi will activate, erasing reality entirely. You'll be reborn a new. No Yin seal, no curse mark. You'll be completely free."
Naruto's lips quirked upward in a satisfied smirk. "Yes, it is time we depart so we can finish what we sought out to do. I'm fully prepared and while we're taking care of things in the darkness the bloodclone will act as a spy." He then nodded; he's impressed from the Fox genius approach of jutsu.
The Fox nodded "It seems they will be attacked." The beast commented in a low drawl.
Naruto arched an eyebrow at the news. He had not known. He leaned forward curiously. Kurama released a sharp vindictive grin as he shared his findings.
Naruto nodded silently at the news and he leaned back against the tree. He drummed his fingers against the warm ground as his mind raced with the new information. Konoha will lose half its fighting force. Naruto heaved a heavy sigh and he opened his eyes slowly. He stared at the blue flowers thoughtfully about his team. No Uchiha and Haruno were no longer his concern. Dead or alive. They had nothing to do with him. He had moved on. The blond genin leaned forward and touched the petals of the azure flowers with gentle fingers. They were blue like the ocean waves. They were the colour of home.
"What happens to Konoha no longer concerns me." Naruto spoke resolutely as he stared up at the ancient beast with glacial eyes. "I have much greater things to concern myself with than the petty squabbles of halfwitted villages."
Kurama grinned wide and anticipatory. Naruto smirked at his ancient friend and he gazed determinedly at the blue flowers. "Are you ready for what's to come? Can you burden hatred once again when everything is set in stone?" He asked
"Those people are nothing but ants compared to us and they will pay if they decide to get in my way… before we kill Madara we must deal with the nuisance that dare to sealed us away."
Kyuubi is impressed to think a mere human would be on the same page as him. Maybe this time he will put his trust in someone fully.
He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of the distant waves crashing against the jagged rocks. It was his fresh start - his new beginning - and nothing would stop him from reclaiming his freedom. Both have the image of freedom in their heads.
On outside world, he kneeled before the shrine, Naruto reached out and gently touched the mask that lay atop it. It was the mask of Haku, a friend he had cherished immensely. Haku's story had touched Naruto deeply, and the memory of their battle and Haku's sacrifice had stayed with him ever since. He clenched his fist.
Laying down, he stabbed his neck. As he bled out he smiled at the new dawn that was coming. And slowly everything went white. Suddenly as if the wind took his corpse disappeared and reappeared on the bridge that started it all. He stared at his palms, and a smile etched to his face. He began laughing towards the Heavens. What began as a small giggle turned into a full out boisterous manic laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHA, Now everything in my way towards revolution is gone. And everyone else still believes in me.." He smiled like a mad man and continued "It's only a matter of time before I get rid of Madara and gain my freedom.. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT 'HOKAGE' , THIS IS MY PERFECT VICTORY!!!!! THAT'S RIGHT I WIN!!!" He screamed to the heavens, daring anyone to rebuke what he said. He smiled suddenly shifted back to its stoic tone. And he walked towards Haku's shrine again.
Without too much thought, Naruto tied the mask securely to his face, concealing his features behind it just as Haku had done in life. He could feel the coolness of the porcelain against his skin, a constant reminder of the person who had changed his perspective on what it meant to be strong.
The mask is a reminder, a symbol of the sacrifices that ninja made in pursuit of their dreams and goals. But today, he had a different purpose in mind. He wanted to honor Haku's memory in a new way, to carry on his legacy. To make a world where no one is used as tools. Where kids didn't have to live without their parents and where even Bijuu can find peace.
With the mask of Haku concealing his face, Naruto made a solemn vow. "I'll carry your memories with me, Haku. I'll be strong for your sake. I won't forget your kindness and your strength."
Standing before the shrine, Naruto felt a newfound sense of purpose and determination. He knew that he had a long journey ahead of him, but he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way. With Haku's mask as his symbol, he would continue to grow stronger and protect the bonds he held dear.
With that he disappeared in a burst of speed.
Few Weeks Later
The night was dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of the Hidden Leaf Village during the Chunin Exams. Gekkou Hayate, a seasoned Jonin, moved through the shadows with the skill and grace that only a master of stealth possessed. His mission was a perilous one, a covert operation known only to a handful of trusted individuals, aimed at uncovering the truth behind the suspicious activities during the Chunin Exams.
With each careful step, Hayate drew closer to the clandestine meeting spot. His mission had led him to this point, and he was determined to unveil the secrets that threatened the village's safety. Little did he know that another sinister presence was lurking in the darkness, awaiting his arrival.
As he reached the designated location, Hayate's instincts sent a shiver down his spine. He sensed someone watching, someone who had anticipated his every move. His hand slid toward his weapon pouch, ready to defend himself against any threat.
From the shadows emerged Kabuto Yakushi, a man whose loyalty lay firmly with Orochimaru, one of the village's most feared enemies. Kabuto's cold and calculating gaze bore into Hayate's very soul, his presence sending an ominous chill through the air.
"Quite the impressive spy," Kabuto remarked with a sly grin. "But your skills won't save you tonight."
Hayate's heart raced as he realized the perilous situation he had walked into. His mission had been compromised, and he was now face to face with a formidable adversary.
Without hesitation, he drew his Katana and lunged at Kabuto, the night air filled with the clash of metal against metal. Their movements were swift and precise, a deadly dance of skill and determination. But it became increasingly evident that Kabuto possessed a level of expertise that surpassed Hayate's own.
Wounds opened on Hayate's body, and the pain threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, he fought on, driven by his unwavering dedication to the village and the mission he had undertaken. Seemingly after a while Hayate gained the upper hand on Kabuto, the white haired spy knew his death was inevitable but suddenly..
Cleave
Hayate was sliced in half. He died with a shock looked plastered on his face. His vision blurred as the reality of his situation set in.
Kabuto loomed over him, his voice laced with malevolence. "Well then, that's surprising..You were a worthy opponent, Hayate, but your loyalty to the village has cost you dearly."
As the life drained from him, Gekkou Hayate's thoughts turned to the village he had devoted his life to protect. He had given everything to complete this mission, even his own life. His sacrifice would forever be remembered as a testament to the unwavering dedication of a true shinobi. Kabuto looked up to the short masked man, well boy. Clearly based on the height.
"May I ask, how can little ole me help you? My knight in shining armor." Kabuto said condescendingly
Naruto voice was laced with Kurama's malice spoke "Take me to Orochimaru"
Author Note
That's all for now.
Chapter 3 is coming soon I just had to fix and add some stuff to chapter 2. I hope you guys enjoy.
Please review. Once more I appreciate everyone for contributing with this story. So please…the more reviews the better.
See ya.