Heyas everyone, here's chapter 18 and I think you guys/gals will enjoy this one.
As promised I made this one longer because of the previous chapter.
As some may have noticed I've started another story in the Halo/ME universe, be warned Halo 4 spoilers are included.
Reviews:
Iluvninjas: I know isn't that fun?
Lman: That's alright if there isn't a Beta to read it over I can post chapters more frequently ;) and in my opinion everyone deserves a thank you when they took the time review, and not just a simple "thanks"
Roboguy45: Is that so hmmm?
Myrddin767: Kukukuku enjoy!
Shika the Brain: I try to keep the Oc's as few as possible. As for the pairing because the poll is even at the moment I'll keep it online for one more chapters.
Scman87: Of course I'll explain the background of the Reavers but it will have to wait till later ;) as for Orochimaru, you'll find that out this chapter.
Ps: I'm a bastard I know! And yes Anko will have her moments.
Dimensiontimetraveler: I love how everyone has different thoughts on what Orochimaru's planning.
KCWolfman: they will get what they deserve soon enough, just not in the extreme way most people want:P
Pmiranda13: major battles are being written as we speak. As for Naruto's identity…It will be revealed and soon!
Bethlovesall: I'm glad you like it :) here's the next one and I think you'll like this one!
Trigun: Yeah at the moment there isn't rift between the three factions but that could change at any moment ;)
Chapter 17 was just a toughy to write so that why it's a bit rushed. As for Orochimaru….just wait and see uhm read.
Mirgageking: thanks for the review ;) as for Orochimaru, read respone above ;)
Trak The Cat: Glad you enjoyed that, I always liked Ayame and she doesn't get enough screen time :P
Danger-A: It really depends, for example next chapter will take a bit longer because I'm lazy. Nah seriously I'm swamped with stuff.
Sukhoi: more Awesomeness incoming!
Darkwolf991: so you want Konoha to live?
Lot of reviews last chapter which is much appreciated!
Disclaimer: If I owned the story I would've made Naruto a super badass! But unfortunately I don't own Naruto; I just borrow the Naruto universe for entertaining purposes ;)
I Will Become A Ghost Chapter 17
~Chapter 18 - Ghost?~
It didn't take them long to reach Konoha, the uncomfortable tense situation that roamed in the group didn't make it any easier though.
Rome had heard quite a bit about Orochimaru so during the whole trip back he was standing ready for anything.
Orochimaru for his part tried to lighten the mood in his creepy way but only made the group more irritated.
The guards at the gates had the gates already opened but opened their eyes wide when they found out that the Hokage was accompanied by none other than Orochimaru.
"L-lady Hokage?" the chunin guard stuttered.
"It's okay, he's harmless…whatever that's worth in his case. "She muttered and glanced at her old teammate.
"Understood, Lady Hokage" He bowed and motioned for them to walk through the gate.
"Nothing has changed I see, I don't know if that's a good thing" Orochimaru scratched his cheek and followed Tsunade.
The moment they stepped through the gate several things happened at once.
xXx
Ghost who was still sitting in the ramen stand enjoying his third bowl of ramen hesitated before continuing eating.
Ayame however still noticed it. Is something wrong with the ramen?"
Ghost looked over his shoulder his eyes darted from the left to the right. He focused attention on Ayame and smiled. "Do you trust me?"
"Haven't known you really long enough to trust you completely but…sure I trust you"
"Can't say I blame you, anyways, when I place my chopsticks beside my bowl, could you leave the stand for a bit?"
Ayame looked at him with a questioning look. "I guess so…but why?"
Ghost smirked. "You'll know soon enough, he then continued eating. While eating he reached for his pocket and grabbed his headset, putting it around his ear and placed the microphone in front of his mouth. "Itachi?"
There was a moment of silence. "What is it, Ghost?"
"Stand by for the sound." Ghost said in a relaxed tone while he continued slurping his most favorite food.
"Understood" Itachi replied.
Seconds later a man dressed in dark red robes stepped in, he had an intimidating scar on his left cheek.
Ayame walked over. "Good afternoon! How can I help you?"
The man sat down beside Ghost. "One Shio ramen please."
"Coming up!"
Ghost turned to the newcomer. "New to Konoha?"
The man turned to Ghost as well. "I am, just here to rest up, do some sightseeing as well."
Ghost looked him over. "Right, well I hope you enjoy your stay here…sorry what was your name again?"
The man let out a fake chuckle noticing that the man next to him was subtly checking him out. "Never told my name, but my name's Lasting, mind telling me your name?"
"The name's Ghost." Ghost replied with a neutral nod.
"That's an unusual name…"
Ghost laughed. "Yeah…well comes with the job."
xXx
Itachi walked to Kisame's room. He knocked and opened it. "Kisame."
Kisame who was just putting his infamous robe back on turned around. "What is it?"
"Grab Samehada, we got trouble."
"About time, the battle at Nami is already so far back in my mind that my hands are starting to itch."
"Well if Ghost's right then you will have your fight soon enough." Itachi replied.
Kisame strapped his massive sword to his back and followed Itachi out of the door.
Pein walked across the street, heading for the Hokage tower, apparently the Hokage was back and she had urgent news.
Thanks to his Six Paths he already knew what was going to happen. "Come out now."
A man dressed in dark blue dropped in front of him "You have a good awareness of your surroundings."
"You're just pathetic."
"We'll see about that." The man responded,
"Tell the second one to come out." Pein said in his ever so neutral voice.
The man chuckled in response and motioned with his hand, a woman dropped next to him.
"He's good." She said.
Her companion nodded and cracked his knuckles, trying to intimidate his opponent.
Before someone could make the first move five more figures landed on the ground, surrounding the two invaders.
"More Akatsuki agents?"
Pein's gaze never wavered. "Something like that."
The five newcomers all had piercings on their face and had the exact same ripples in their eyes.
"We have no intel on them" The woman said to her comrade.
"No one has" Pein answered for her and with that all Six Paths of Pein attacked.
xXx
Robatsu and Hawke were in the store when they noticed someone walking up from behind them
They turned around and were surprised to see three holders standing in front of them with their red glowing eyes.
"Well! Shopping just got a lot more interesting," Hawke chuckled and placed the box with cigars back on the counter. He turned to the store clerk. "Beautiful, could you be so kind and step out for a moment?"
"Why?" she asked feeling a bit flattered, not really paying attention to the newcomers.
"That's because if you don't you'll get blown up as well."
"Blown up as well?" It was then that she noticed the Reavers standing in her store. She wasn't by any means experienced with a Reaver, but when two broad men with red glowing eyes and horrifying left claws entered the store she knew better than to stay inside. She quickly entered the back of the store and went outside from there.
"Robatsu, you take the left I'll take the right okay?" Hawke said with a wide smile on his face.
"Sounds good to me" Robatsu answered and reached for his pouch on his back.
"May the best man win!" Hawke jokingly shouted before charging his opponent.
xXx
Ghost knew for certain that this man was without a doubt a Reaver, but what was more was that he possessed demonic chakra, but didn't use it like a holder did. Ghost smiled. 'He uses the chakra as a trigger, like me…but how can he do that?'
"Is something on your mind?" Lasting asked.
Ayame had been listening to the conversation and looked at Ghost who saw her looking; he looked her in the eyes and then gently placed his chopsticks beside his now empty bowl.
She turned around and pushed the flaps aside that led to the back.
"It's nothing was just reminiscing." He reached inside his robe pretending to grab some money, all the while hiding a kunai inside his sleeve. He then threw some money on the counter, but while he was throwing the money he also slid the kunai in his hand.
In one fluid motion he tried to stab the man beside him in the chest. Only to find his attack blocked.
"Nice try, Ghost but you really should try harder."
Ghost smirked and propped his feet up against the counter, he pushed himself off sending them both to the ground.
Lasting in turn balled his fist and tried to punch him. Ghost bent back and countered with a Rasengan
which he held in his free hand.
The moment he tried to hit him he no longer felt the grip on his arm. Instead of hitting Lasting with his Rasengan he hit the ground.
Ghost sensed the demonic chakra and used flashstep and appeared beside the Reaver on the roof of one of the buildings. Trying once again he charged up a Rasengan and aimed for the Reaver's stomach.
"You should really try some other tricks, Ghost."
Before Ghost could move out of the way Lasting slammed his shoulder into his back making him fall to the ground below.
He slowly stood up and noticed that he wasn't the only one fighting; he could hear sounds of battle all around the village. "An invasion? No, you wouldn't break through so quickly."
"We found a different way of entering without attracting unnecessary attention." Lasting said as he appeared in front of Ghost. He reached inside his robe and pulled out a file. "Ghost; appearance, unknown, weapon of favor, unknown, threat level: Red borderline black, handle with extreme care," He snapped the file shut. "You've failed to impress me so far, why they gave you such a high threat level is beyond me."
Ghost smirked. "Only red huh? I guess we should change that."
Lasting shook his head. "You fail to realize that you absolutely no chance of winning."
"Ah and there is the demonic chakra." Ghost said as he noticed the voice changing as well as the arm and eyes changing their form.
Weaving through hand signs Ghost placed his hand at his mouth. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
A fireball quickly roared towards Lasting, who in turn was unimpressed, he used a single flashstep to avoid the attack.
"Thought so…" Ghost said who appeared next to Lasting, elbowing him in the face; he tried to follow up with a punch but was blocked by Lasting's claw.
Ignoring the heat that was scorning the skin on his hand he tried to knee the man in the stomach which was dodged.
Ghost let out a hiss of pain when he suddenly noticed a small gash on his leg. "You're fast."
"And you're not." Lasting replied before aiming his unsheathed blade at Ghost's shoulder
Ghost dodged and tried to counter with his own blade only to hit thin air. Knowing he just left himself wide open for a counter he quickly used flashstep and appeared on the roof of one of the stores.
It was then his whole world exploded.
xXx
Itachi blocked the blow and retaliated with a punch of his own.
The Reaver grunted and jumped back and formed a few handsigns. "Doton: Dosekiryū!" a dragon burst from the ground and charged Itachi head on.
Itachi who didn't have the time to avoid used Kawarimi to get out of harm's way. Before his feet touched the ground he already had a handful of shuriken in both hands, he threw them all at once and while his opponent was occupied with dodging the attack he already used shun shin and appeared next to the reaver his hand already in front of his mouth. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
The Reaver could only widen his eyes before the ball of flame hit him at point blank range.
Itachi panted slightly. His opponent was brutal, he didn't give him much breathing space. Itachi's only choice was picking up the pace. He knew he had a trump card, his Mangekyo Sharingan. But it comes with a high price, one he didn't want to pay unless it was absolutely necessary.
He turned around but stopped half way when he heard a soft cough.
"Where do you think you're going? I'll cut you open like a pig, you weird eyed mother fucker!" The Holder screamed while his right eye twitched every few seconds.
Itachi sighed. 'Why do always get the weird ones?' Itachi turned back to his opponent ignoring the remark about his sharingan. "You're an unusual one."
The holder screamed and used flashstep to get inside Itachi's guard.
Itachi in turn held up his arms and blocked the first two blows; he countered with a high kick to the Reaver's face and followed up with tree quick punches.
Itachi jumped back to avoid the wild slash from the Reaver's claw that was aimed at his stomach, instead of cutting him wide open he got two long but shallow cuts on his abdomen.
Itachi suppressed a grunt and instead grabbed the man's still outstretched arm and gave it a sharp twist, breaking it.
The demon carrier screamed out in pain and pulled his arm free and tried to punch Itachi with his only free hand.
Itachi twirled around it and while he did that he grabbed the other arm as well and pulled him close. He then with the grace only an Uchiha could perform gave him a knee to the face.
Before the Reaver even had a chance to retaliate Itachi grabbed his other arm again, the one his opponent desperately tried to keep out of his reach. Itachi pulled him down and gave him another knee, releasing his arms. Before Itachi let his opponent drop to the ground he grabbed him by the back of his neck and pulled him back up. "Where do you think you're going?" Itachi mocked him.
Itachi didn't let him speak and instead grabbed his head with both hands and gave it a twist, killing him instantly.
Itachi leaned against the wall and slumped to the ground; he looked down at his stomach and winced. The cuts were deeper than he originally thought. It may not have been deadly, it still bled like hell.
He looked back up when he heard an explosion not too far from him. Itachi thought about helping out but decided against it. 'I'll stay here for a short while. I'm sure they can handle them without my help.'
xXx
Tsunade, Orochimaru, Rome, Mayu and Micheru walked towards the gate that led to the Hokage tower.
Tsunade looked at Orochimaru. "What are you smirking about?" noticing the smirk just now.
"You really should play nice, Tsunade it's unbecoming of someone like you."
"Tsunade!" Jiraiya shouted who came to a skidding halt in front of the small group. "Have you completely lost it?!"
"No is not the time for petty arguments of the past, Jiraiya! We have to bury the hatchet." Tsunade managed to say between gritted teeth.
"Have you learned nothing of him?! He will rather watch the whole world come to an end rather than join up with us!" Jiraiya roared in anger.
"You think this isn't hard on me?! I'm forgiving the man not only for his actions in the past but also for killing Naruto!"
The Hunters looked at each other with raised eyebrows but decided to swallow their questions for the time being.
Orochimaru however was the most surprised. "Naruto-kun? When di-" a large explosion cut of any words he might've said.
"What the!" Rome shouted.
"You see! It was only a matter of time!" Jiraiya said and pointed accusingly at Orochimaru
"Kukukuku, Jiraiya is right Tsunade you should've never trusted me," he motioned for his guards who ripped their fake outfits off, revealing their true Reaver colors. "Do with them with what you will, but I want Itachi alive, he'll pay for interfering with my plans."
"Understood" one of the Reavers said before dispersing.
Rome jumped after one of them while Mayu settled into a stance, only to be stopped by Jiraiya. "Orochimaru is mine; you go help your friends."
"Alright, Micheru we'll focus on helping the wounded." Mayu ordered and steered Micheru away from the fight.
An explosion shook the earth and suddenly a couple of bodies dropped in front of them, followed by two Reavers and Hawke and Robatsu who were exchanging blows.
Tsunade in the meantime masked her shock with a scowl and summoned one of the Anbu and started relaying orders. "I want all Shinobi in the village on alert, lock down the gates and don't let anyone through! If any of the Reavers are too tough I want them to be left alone, let the Akatsuki and Hunters handle them for the time being."
"Understood, Hokage-sama" and with that he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Xx
Ghost groaned and stood up; he spat out some blood and looked around. The building he stood upon was mostly destroyed; he could see a few bodies lying around. 'The Hokage should evacuate the civilians…'
"When are you going to fight seriously Ghost? Isn't the sight of innocent people lying dead on the ground enough to make you angry?"
Ghost started with a chuckle but grew to demonical laughter, "I couldn't care less about these fools, in fact why not blow that building up right there?" he pointed with his claw towards a random building. "You see, I don't have to worry about some innocent civilians getting in my way because I don't care whether they live or die, my only purpose here is to stop the Reaver threat, and that-" he appeared beside him and gave him a mind numbing blow. "Includes you"
Lasting shook his head and unsheathed his blade, his eyes widened in surprise. "You have quite a few tricks up your sleeve, Ghost! This changes things, my leader must learn of this development." And with that Lasting charged the Demon Hunter.
Ghost grabbed his katana and met his opponent head on. Sparks exploded from the two blades when they made contact with one another.
They continued like this for a couple of minutes, slowly they reached the main road where Pein was fighting.
Ghost back flipped and landed a few feet away from Pein. Turning to his former enemy he noticed that he was handling his two opponents without too much trouble, but what surprised him the most were the five Akatsuki agents who we're looking very much like him. They were fighting in complete unison with each other.
Pein jumped back and saw Ghost. "This attack started the moment the Hokage came back, she is related to the attack, find her and find it out."
"I can't do that yet, I've got an opponent of my own who won't just let me leave." Ghost responded, panting slightly.
"I'll handle him as well." And while Pein said that one of the Paths disconnected from the fight and charged at Lasting.
Ghost nodded and sprinted towards the Hokage tower, presuming that she was there.
"We're not done yet!" Lasting shouted and tried to follow him but was blocked by a new adversary.
"You're not going anywhere. "Pein stated, being as cold blooded as he ever was.
Ghost sprinted, ignoring the throbbing pain in his leg, he looked up and saw that several explosions took place at the Hokage tower and assumed that that was the Hokage's doing. He jumped to a roof and then jumped on top of a particular large building.
He noticed Lasting once again behind him and sprinted even faster but grunted in pain when he felt two sharp object slice his side and lower leg.
Using chakra he enhanced his jump and landed on another large roof he turned around in one fluid motion and with his blade still in his hand deflected the incoming projectiles headed his way. "Not many people can get away from Pein, I'm actually impressed."
Lasting narrowed his eyes. "I've had it with you, stop running and face me!"
Ghost weaved through a few handsigns. "Fūton: Shinkūha!" Blades of wind were formed and charged at Lasting who couldn't dodge them all and received multiple cuts.
Ghost slammed his shoulder into the man and they both stumbled to the ground, Ghost was the first to act and started punching him relentlessly.
He felt all his hits connect but he didn't feel that he was actually accomplishing anything, he quickly reached for a kunai and stabbed him in the chest 'something's wrong here…'
Lasting freed himself and planted his feet on Ghost's chest and kicked him away. He stood up and grabbed the kunai that was still stuck in his chest and threw it back at Ghost who narrowly evaded it.
Lasting jumped; his blade high above his head.
'Kuso!' Ghost dove to his katana which lay on the ground in front of him and barely managed to deflect the blade.
With his free hand he made a few one handed signs. "Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu!"
Small fireballs hit Lasting and blasted him off the roof. Ghost quickly scrambled to his feet and resumed his sprint.
Ghost looked to his left and saw Micheru alone, desperately trying to fight off a holder. "Kuso!" he cursed again. He turned his attention on her and headed her way. He sprinted at full speed and jumped off the roof during his flight he noticed Lasting behind him once again.
He knew that Lasting was preparing the finishing blow, but Micheru's opponent was preparing the killing blow himself as well.
"GHOST, DIE NOW!" Lasting roared, causing Micheru and the nearby shinobi to look up.
In a split second decision he threw a kunai towards Micheru´s adversary, puncturing the back of his neck, killing him and then quickly turned around and blocked the deadly blow with his own blade,
Lasting pushed Ghost's blade away and then let his own blade go and grabbed him by his robe. "Goodbye, Hunter Ghost." he held his claw in front of Ghost's abdomen and blasted him away in red chakra wave that emitted from is claw.
Ghost who was approaching the pavement fast got blasted into one of the already ruined buildings instead.
"Ghost!" Micheru screamed in despair. She stumbled to get up and ran towards the building only to be stopped by a slightly bleeding Hawke. "Stop Micheru, Orochimaru is there as well, you'll be killed before you can reach him."
Micheru tried to push him away. "He needs our help!"
Kakashi who was helping with the wounded came to a halt in front of him, Sasuke, Sakura and Choji close behind. "We'll get him, don't worry!"
Micheru only nodded, that was all she managed to do. Ghost meant a lot to her as did all of the Hunters and the thought of him dying was unbearable. the words he had spoken earlier hurt her she still hoped that what he said was not true. Sure Ghost could make her seethe at times but could make her laugh just as much as well.
Hawke sat her down gently and looked over her wounds. She had a nasty gash above her forehead and also one on her side. "Micheru, where's Mayu?"
"She took Robatsu to the medical station the tower. He's in critical condition." She managed to say while she took deep breaths, trying to calm down.
"Alright, we'll stay here and wait for the others, most of the Reavers are already dead and the guy that Ghost was fighting with is one of the only ones left.
xXx
Minutes later Ghost groaned and tried to stand up. 'What the hell was that?'
"Kukuku, Jiraiya you were always the most stubborn one, never knowing when to give up…even now lying at my feet you still try to fight, how very amusing!"
Ghost widened his eyes, his godfather! Even if there was only a single breath left in his body, he'd use it to save Jiraiya. He slowly, using the wall as support stood up.
He breathed in and focused for a moment before he sprinted to where the sound came from and busted through a half destroyed door, entering an equally destroyed room. The wall was missing showing the Hokage tower and the square in front of it. He saw Orochimaru standing there, having been wounded as well in the fight.
"Orochimaru!" Ghost roared and punched the snake in the face sending him over the edge to the streets below.
Ghost crouched down next to Jiraiya and looked him over. "Are you alright, Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya managed to chuckle. "N-never better…" he coughed and a small trickle of blood trailed down his chin.
"You are a persistent one alright." A voice said.
Ghost's eyes widened in surprise, and dove to the ground, escaping death once again. He turned around on the ground and planted his foot in Lasting's chest who had appeared in front of him, Ghost pushed himself off the ground and charged Lasting, fist pumped back.
"Sen'eijashu!" Orochimaru hissed and sent a couple of snakes towards Ghost. The snake Sannin had reentered the building when Ghost was distracted
Ghost decided to go for the blow and punched Lasting into the ground. He tried to follow up with a ninjutsu but was held firmly in place by Orochimaru's snakes.
He tried grabbing one of the snakes but to no avail and felt himself being turned towards the Snake sannin.
"Well…well…well… if it isn't one of those annoying Hunters, Kukuku! Almost as troublesome as the Akatsuki some would say." Orochimaru walked forward and took a closer look at Ghost's face, his eyes suddenly widening in surprise. "You! This cannot be! You are supposed to be dead!"
"Seriously...I'm going to be pissed if you say that I look exactly like the Yondaime." Ghost growled, still trying to get free, but still to no avail. The red chakra attack Lasting blasted him with severely hampered with his chakra.
Orochimaru took a closer look at the rest of his appearance, first at his claw and then at his eyes, and finally at his whisker marks. "Whisker marks…I can only remember one person who had those marks and I haven't seen him in a long time."
Ghost growled and put all of his strength in breaking free, and slowly the snakes started snapping under the pressure. With his claw now free he grabbed the remaining snakes and tore them off. He then viciously punched Orochimaru in the face and reached for a kunai, his katana was still lying outside.
Ghost bent backwards when Lasting came charging in, dodging him barely.
Lasting was now open for a counter and Ghost intended to use it. He created a Rasengan, aimed it at Lasting's exposed back and slammed into it.
Lasting let out a cry of pain and tried to get back off the ground, which he had slammed into seconds earlier.
Ghost then grabbed him by the arm and swung him through the wall.
"It is you!" Orochimaru charged in and planted his fist in Ghost's face who flew out of the building and onto the streets, straight into Kakashi and the others, including Tsunade, Shizune a bruised Asuma, Kurenai and the rest of Konoha 11 who had arrived moments ago.
Ghost spat out some blood and stood up, his back to the group. He looked down at his hands and noticed that two of his fingers were broken; he sighed and looked at his blade which he managed to grab, before he flew out of the building, which now lay on the ground not far from him. A few moments later Jiraiya came flying through the air and bounced off the ground and landed in front of Ghost.
Ghost kneeled and placed his hand on Jiraiya's shoulder. "You okay?"
Jiraiya slowly nodded. "J-just let me lie here for a moment."
Ghost smirked and patted him. He stood up, trying to ignore the burning pain in his chest.
Lasting walked forward, he noticed a shadow heading his way and leaped backward. He followed the shadow and noticed the user, standing with the rest of the group. "You going to let them do the dirty work, Ghost?"
Ghost eyed Lasting, and then turned to Orochimaru who had joined him.
Orochimaru noticed Sasuke standing there as well and smiled even wider. "Sasuke-kun, it's been such a long time! I must say I'm disappointed in your choice."
Sasuke smirked. "keep talking; you'll get what you deserve soon enough."
Orochimaru chuckled again. "And what dear Sasuke-kun might that be?"
It was Ino that stepped forward. "Don't try and even deny it!"
Orochimaru barely spared her a glance. "How entertaining this might be, I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about. Sasuke, I'm still extending my offer, I can offer you the revenge you so much want!"
Before Sasuke could speak up, Sakura butted in. "You disgusting snake! How can you even forget that you killed Naruto! "
Ghost eyes widened in disbelief and fear, fear of compromising his hidden identity. He charged forward only to be blocked by Lasting who was bleeding all over the place. "I guess that our reports were accurate after all, you just don't know when to give up" He made a cut across Ghost's chest, but the attack was partially blocked by Ghost.
Orochimaru in the meantime turned looked from Sakura to Ghost and then laughed. "You," he pointed to Ghost. "You sure are devious! I could have had use for you! Your time for fooling everyone has to come to an end, Ghost!"
Ghost who had both his hands locked with Lasting's could only throw Jiraiya a desperate look, who in turn tried to stand up.
"Orochimaru, enough! You talked for long enough, come and face me!" Jiraiya shouted, trying to get his attention.
"So you're in on it too? You knew it as well, Jiraiya-kun? I have to say I never thought you'd keep a secret that big from Konoha!"
Tsunade who had started addressing Jiraiya's wounds looked at him. "What is he talking about? Jiraiya!" she shook him but he ignored her.
Jiraiya looked at Ghost. "I'm sorry, Ghost…"
Ghost however seethed with anger and overpowered Lasting, he slammed his fist into the Reaver's stomach and charged Orochimaru, using multiple flashstep(s), he tried to get there as fast as possible but his chakra was running low so he was forced on using several short steps.
"Ghost here," Orochimaru pointed at him again
One flashstep and Ghost almost screamed out in pain. The burning pain in his chest intensified.
"The one you all apparently hate so much, by the looks you're giving him."
Another flashstep Ghost noticed Lasting behind him, going for the killing move, he ignored him and prepared himself for another flashstep, he reckoned he only needed two more, if only Orochimaru could keep talking crap for just a few more moments.
"Is none other..."
Ghost took another flashstep, only one more! He already pulled his fist back. "Orochimaru!"
Everyone standing in the square was literally waiting for the verdict. Orochimaru knew the identity of Ghost, something everyone wanted to know the moment they first laid eyes on him.
Hinata and all of the other Konoha 11 members were looking at the situation with wide eyes.
"Than Naruto Uzumaki!" Orochimaru finished with a devious smile on his face, knowing the agony that Naruto would face would outweigh any punch he would manage to lay upon him.
Ghost used the speed of his flashstep to give Orochimaru the most deadly blow he managed to give.
Orochimaru who couldn't dodge in time flew through the air and crashed through a wall.
"N-Naruto…?" a soft voice, Hinata's voice whispered. Already she feared that she couldn't handle this revelation.
Ghost used flashstep and dodged Lasting's attack who landed in a crouching position, Lasting knew that that was his last chance, he had to retreat and inform his leader. In a single flashstep he disappeared, taking Orochimaru with him.
Ghost looked down at his claw and hand. 'Who am I now? Everything I tried eventually didn't matter in the end.'
It was Tsunade's soft voice that brought him out of his reveries. "Turn around please…"
Ghost wanted to ignore her, but what did it matter? Even if he denied it, one look at his face was all they needed. And hiding until the features of his transformation were gone would do the exact same thing.
He noticed his blade lying on the ground next to his feet. 'Itachi's gift to me, I sure could've used your help here, Itachi." He grabbed his blade from the floor and held it tightly in his hand.
"Please…"
Ghost, fingered his facemask, on Mayu's insistence he decided not to wear it, which if you would look at it would put the final nail on the coffin. 'Ghost…Naruto…one and the same in the end…
"Naruto?" a male voice asked this time and he knew that it was Kakashi. He had been the start of it all.
"I know, Asuma, but I wonder if it isn't best if I'd replace Naruto with someone else, then Sasuke could focus on his training and not on Naruto, who he clearly hates now…with Naruto in the way, he'll only solely focus on him, which isn't the best thing."
Then Asuma had said something as well, something that had hurt him deeply. "That seems most logical, as long as you don't trade with someone from my team, I don't know how to handle the kid"
But what Kakashi had said after was what hurt him the most. "You don't know him that well, Kurenai, he's a pain in the ass and sometimes I wish I never had taken him on as a student. He constantly screws up, he never thinks, and it's often at the cost of us."
Ghost felt the irony, from dead last to one of the most deadly shinobi to ever come across.
He sighed and straightened his back. He slowly turned around. "Nobody called me that in a long long time…"
He was now completely turned around and slowly walked towards the group. They were completely silent, their mouths wide open.
"It is you..." Hinata whispered.
Tsunade was shaking; tears were already sliding down her face. Her hands balled into fists, Jiraiya did not turn his head and only looked at the ground in defeat. "I'm sorry, kid." He softly said.
Ghost stopped in front of Jiraiya and Tsunade. "Not your fault Jiraiya, Orochimaru always was a problem; he just has this knack for screwing up everyone's lives."
Micheru was surprised to say the least. She knew that Ghost's real name was Naruto; but that he tried to keep it a secret to such an extent was completely new to her.
Sakura opened and closed her mouth every few seconds, unable to form a sentence with the amount of questions that formed in her mind.
Ghost didn't even spare her a glance.
Tsunade stood up, trembling. She looked straight in Ghost's cold calculated eyes. "How could you do this to us for so long! Why did you lie! Why in Kami's name did you lie?!"
Ghost tilted his head, as if he was considering answering her questions. He instead slowly sheathed his blade. He looked down at his claw and released the demonic chakra that was in his arm. Slowly his claw turned back into his hand. "If you don't know the answer to those questions then you haven't changed at all."
"We have so many questions! Where have you been all this time, with whom and what's the deal with you and the Akatsuki?" Shikamaru asked and stepped forward.
Kakashi stepped forward as well, extending his hand. "I'm so sorry for everything that I've done. There are so many things I regret, please let me explain."
Ghost looked down at his hand and then walked past him, towards Itachi who had just arrived, looking pretty beat up as well. "Are you okay?" he asked his friend, ignoring Kakashi's slumped shoulders.
Itachi smiled and nodded. "I'm okay, had a tough opponent but nothing I can't handle."
Ghost nodded as well. "And Kisame?"
"He's scouting the area as we speak." Itachi replied, glancing to the group behind the Hunter.
"Good"
"What happened here?" he asked.
"They know" was all Ghost said.
"I see…" Itachi softly spoke; he gave a short questioning look.
"Orochimaru saw my face and put two and two together." Ghost sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"So he was here after all. Is he dead now?" Itachi asked.
"No I think my opponent took Orochimaru with him when he left."
Itachi noticed someone behind him. "Incoming" he pointed out.
Ghost turned around only to stagger back as someone put her arms around him and sobbed, her face buried in his chest.
Ghost looked down and noticed pink hair.
"I'm so sorry about everything." She sobbed and hugged him even more tightly.
Ghost looked at the onlookers and then back down at Sakura. "Let go of me…"
When Sakura didn't move he narrowed his eyes. "I won't ask again"
Still no response, Ghost sighed and grabbed her arms and roughly pulled her away. He turned to the Hokage. "Hokage, send shinobi after the intruders"
"Naruto! How can you be so heartless?" Ino screamed as she ran over to Sakura and put an arm around her shoulder.
Ghost ignored her and kept his focus on Tsunade "Well?"
Hokage turned her eyes away from Naruto for just a moment she motioned for one of the Anbu. "Send for Anbu squads one and two to pursue the Reavers."
The Anbu nodded and left in a swirl of leaves.
Hinata who always had feelings for Naruto couldn't believe that he and Ghost were the same. She still remembered what he had said when their group had arrived for an alliance.
"Don't you just love fear?"
"People like you make me feel sick." Hinata said between clenched teeth, eyeing the blonde Hunter.
"Luckily I don't care." Ghost said with a smile that made Hinata narrow her eyes.
What had happened to the bright blonde boy whom she had a crush on.
Ghost turned around and headed towards the headquarters, hoping to get away from them all.
"Where are you going, Naruto?" Kiba asked with his eyes narrowed. The fact that Naruto was still alive shocked him to the core. But what was worse was the fact that Naruto had almost killed him at the arena was not something he would forget easily.
Tsunade who had finally managed to get out of her shock spoke up as well. "This changes a lot of things, Naruto, you have to come with me to the tower."
Naruto ignored her and kept walking, Kiba who was still angry about the incident at the arena shun-shined in front of him and pushed him back. "You heard her, it's time you face the consequences of betraying us."
Ghost raised an eyebrow. "Kiba step aside if you don't want a repeat of last time."
Sasuke shun shined in front of him as well. "Naruto, listen to the Hokage please. Let's straighten this out."
Ghost snorted, when Kiba didn't step aside Ghost grew impatient. He sighed and grabbed Kiba by his vest and roughly pushed him aside throwing him against the wall of a house.
He pushed Sasuke aside and walked further down the streets.
"Naruto don't force me to detain you!" Tsunade shouted.
Naruto softly chuckled and came to a halt, his chuckle grew to laughter and he turned around. "That didn't work out too well last time didn't it? You want to try it again? I'll promise that you won't be as lucky this time!"
Tsunade looked at him with sad eyes. "You don't mean that…" she said but her voice was laced with doubt.
"Ghost, stand down, we don't need infighting." Rome said as he suddenly appeared between Tsunade and Ghost.
"They know, Rome, if I let them take me to the tower I know for a fact that I won't get off that easily." Ghost sighed; the pain in his chest was killing him. He unconsciously rubbed his chest.
Rome smiled. "Don't worry, we protect our own remember? They know not to do anything stupid."
Ghost looked at Itachi he gave him a questioning look.
Itachi nodded. "I'll walk with you; make sure that they won't do anything."
Ghost returned the gesture and turned his attention back on the blonde female. "Well, Hokage, it seems that I'll cooperate for the time being, don't try anything that you might regret." His voice was full with anger.
Tsunade motioned for him to follow and Ghost slowly walked back. 'I hate my life…'
Finally! The truth is out!
I bet you were all waiting for this chapter for a long long time. I wanted to include Naruto facing the music but I decided against it and include it next chapter so I cut it out.
Hopefully you enjoyed this one; I really did enjoy writing it!
And in case you did enjoy it, don't forget to Review ;)