Me: (finishes typing) Whew! Alright finally done! Happy now?
Naruto: Eh, you still could've done this earlier.
Me: (grumbles)
Korra: All things considered, this is the first time you've made two update within the same month that weren't part chapters. This must be a milestone for you.
Me: Yeah, I know. I almost didn't think I could pull it off, but now I think I'm gonna rest.
Korra: Actually, we think this calls for a celebration! In fact, we've invited a lot friends over for a party!
Me: ...Wait. What?
(I open the door to leave my room and see not only characters from Naruto and Legend of Korra, but also characters from other anime and cartoons like One Piece, Teen Titans, and many more.)
Me: So you two have invited characters to a party... at my house. (sigh) I hate you both.
Naruto: Ah, quite whining and join the party already! (dragging me along)
Hey, guys. Finally managed to make it before the month ended... though barely. Thank you so much reading and supporting this story, I greatly appreciate. Thanks to you, this story has reached over 100 reviews so far!
On an unrelated note, I recently bought Journey for the PS3. Loved it! Totally recommend if you haven't already.
Also, did you guys catch Naruto Shippuden ep 421? 8 INNER GATES MIGHT GUY FOR THE WIN!
Anyway, before I get sidetracked, let's begin the chapter!
Disclaimer: Still applies
Chapter 12: Potential Disaster
(Naruto Shippuden OST: Stalemate)
Naruto and Korra stood frozen in front of this new intruder. Neither could make heads or tails of what was going on, but they could already feel that they were in trouble. But just how would they get out this predicament?
Naruto just stood there in front of the Sasuke look-a-like not sure of what he should be doing.
Korra was slowly bringing her hands closer to the water skin that she thankfully still had on her person. This did not seem like the type of person she would want knowing her secret. She stared very warily at the man as she pondered his last statement. Just what does he want from Naruto? And what did he mean by "us"? Korra thought.
Immediately, she got her answer when a taller man appeared, walking next to the black haired man.
This man strangely had light blue skin, dark, gravity-defying hair, sharp teeth, small round eyes that sort of looked crazed, and facial markings that looked like gills, giving him a shark-like appearance. He was also wearing an identical coat with the same design as the other man and also had a headband with a metal plate with four squiggly lines that seemed to have a slash mark going through it. Now that Korra realized it, the shorter man also had a head with the Hidden Leaf symbol that had a slash mark running through the symbol.
The taller man gave a sadistic grin as he stared down at the kids.
"So, that's the kid were looking for, Itachi?" he spoke, "Hard to believe that he contains the Kyuubi."
Both children's widened in shock as their current situation dawned on them.
Before any more was said, in one swift move, Korra immediately pulled Naruto from the door to behind her and bent water out of her container to send at the two adversaries.
"Stay back!" she yelled as she sent ice shards at the two men who quickly dodged.
Itachi raised an eyebrow seeing the ice shards embedded into the wall next to him. "A waterbender?" he mused as he studied the brunette girl, "A student of Katara perhaps."
But then why does she know about the Kyuubi? Was she chosen to guard its vessel? Itachi thought in curiosity.
"Doesn't matter," the blue-skinned man responded with a smirk as he grabbed the hilt of what appeared to be a large sword covered in bandages and pulled it off of his back, "She's dead all the same."
However, the large man had to use that sword to block the incoming kunai attached to paper bombs. The resulting explosion created a cloud of smoke that obscured everyone's vision. When it cleared, Itachi and his partner noticed that Naruto and the girl they were fighting were no longer in their previous spots.
They turned to see the two kids further down the hall with Naruto standing in front of the Water tribe girl. "Korra," Naruto said, not taking his eyes off of his enemies as he prepared for a jutsu, "Stay behind me."
Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!
He executed the handseals, inhaled a lot of air and blew out a gust of wind straight at the two adversaries. However, the two stood their ground as the attack hit them, and some of it seemed to be absorbed into the blue-skinned man's sword.
"Wind-style, eh?" the man said with a smirk as the attack ended, "That's quite rare. Got any more tricks for us, kid?"
Damn! The blonde genin cursed in his mind. That hardly fazed them at all!
"Korra," he whispered, getting the Avatar's attention, "Get out of here now. Go find help while I hold them off."
"Are you crazy?" Korra whispered back harshly, "These guys are after you! And you're crazier if you think I'm leaving you here. You won't last long without help!"
Naruto growled at that. She was right. These guys were far beyond what the hyperactive blonde had dealt with before. If he fought them alone, he was finished. But he still didn't like the idea of putting his friend in a perilous situation like this. Now it seemed that thanks to him and the stupid fox inside of him, Korra's life was in danger once again.
But we gotta fight back somehow, and I'm not losing her to this no matter what! He thought with determination.
"Alright. Then let's do it," Naruto agreed, bringing out two kunai knives, one for each hand.
Korra smirked and got in a fighting stance alongside Naruto and summoned more water around her… though she was getting a very bad feeling that it was going to take more than water to fight these guys off.
"Aww, how cute," the man with the sword taunted, "the little pups want to fight. This should be fun."
He raised his sword to challenge the two young ones, while Itachi stood by.
"Try not to overdo it, Kisame," he said to his partner, "We need the boy alive."
Korra looked over to Itachi curious as to why he wouldn't fight. She was disturbed to see that he was still studying her, as if trying to figure something out. She had to be careful here.
(End OST)
(Naruto OST 2: Avenger)
"Hold it!"
Naruto and Korra looked over at the other end of the hall and Kisame turned around as everyone except Itachi, who didn't seem to care to do so, saw Sasuke standing there with an angry expression on his face and his Sharingan activated.
The two other younger fighters were surprised.
"Huh? Sasuke?" Korra questioned out loud. What's he doing here? Naruto thought.
In all honesty, they were both glad that they had someone to back them up, but they were confused as to why Sasuke of all people would show up. Added in with the look of rage on his face, he must've come here for reasons other than helping them.
Kisame was also surprised, but for a different reason.
"Interesting. That can't be another Uchiha, can it?" Kisame mused with the amusement never leaving his voice, "Hey Itachi, who is this kid?"
Itachi replied, nonchalantly, "He's my little brother."
Naruto and Korra's eyes widened in shock. It suddenly made sense as to why Naruto had mistaken Itachi for Sasuke earlier. It was also shocking for Naruto as this was his first time seeing a member of Sasuke's family.
"Really?" Kisame inquired, a little taken back by this as well, "But from the way I heard it, you slaughtered every last member of your clan."
Itachi didn't respond to that remark as Sasuke chose this time to speak.
"Itachi Uchiha," he spoke with anger, "I hope you're ready die because today is the day that I finally avenge our clan!"
While this was going on, Korra and Naruto were appalled to hear that this man who was apparently Sasuke's older brother had massacred his whole family and didn't seem to care.
Korra couldn't wrap her mind around it. Ok, I used to think the Hyuga Clan stuff and Fire Lord Ozai and Azula were messed up, but this!? She thought. What kind of person slaughters their entire family?
Naruto in the meantime was coming to a realization. He thought back to Sasuke's words when Team 7 first formed and in their battle with Haku in the Wave Mission. So this guy. He thought. That's his brother. The person he wanted to kill to restore his clan!
Their thoughts were interrupted as Sasuke spoke again, "It's just as you've said, brother," he said hatefully as Itachi finally turned to him, "I've fostered my hatred for you and lived my life for this one purpose!"
He quickly executed his hand-seals to form his most powerful technique: Chidori. The black-and-orange-clad genin and the young Avatar watched Sasuke's next move with anticipation.
"TO SEE YOU DIE!" he yelled as he charged in for the kill.
He scraped his Chidori attack along the wall of the hallway as he ran closer to his target. He then struck out his lightning-chakra-infused hand to pierce through his brother's heart. However, as he tried this, Itachi simply used one hand to redirect Sasuke's attack at the wall next to them and an explosion occurred afterwards, which destroyed a part of it.
(End OST)
The other young fighters looked in shock as Sasuke's fatal attempt against the older Uchiha failed as Itachi brushed it aside with little to no effort.
No way! How could a powerful attack like that be stopped so easily? Korra thought in astonishment, having seen Sasuke's chidori in action during the Chuunin Exams.
She then felt the air in the area get thick and turned to see her blonde friend summoning the Nine-Tailed Fox's chakra from within him.
"Ah," Kisame mused, "the Kyuubi's chakra."
This also had Itachi's attention… which Sasuke definitely didn't appreciate.
"Hold on! I'm still not finished with you!" he yelled as he made of move to punch him.
"Enough of this," Itachi responded uncaringly as he used his hand to break Sasuke's arm that he was holding. The younger Uchiha immediately cried out in pain.
"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled in fear for his comrade. Damn it! I gotta do something fast! He cursed in his mind he was about to use his wind jutsu again.
Wind Style: Great-
"Too slow," Kisame said he used his large sword to absorb the red chakra before anyone could do anything.
What happened? Korra thought in surprised as the red chakra around Naruto disappeared.
"Sorry, brat. But my sword, Samehada, cuts through chakra and devours it," Kisame said smugly as his sword seemed to shake within the bandages.
He's right! I can't feel my chakra! Naruto panicked as he tried to bring it out again. Before Kisame could do anything else to him, however, the strong ninja found himself being encased in water as it began to turn into ice.
"Neat trick," Korra said with a smirk, "but I don't think you can do the same to bending."
"Hmm, that seems to be true," Kisame responded calmly despite his situation. Suddenly, the ice started to crack as he started to use his brute strength. Korra saw this and tried to keep her ice intact, but it failed as Kisame broke free, "But it's rather pointless… if it's not strong enough to keep me bound!"
Oh man! We're in trouble! Korra thought frantically. At this point, she had to use another element, but would it be enough?
"Now," Kisame started as one of his fingers tapped against the hilt of his sword and he stared down at the two kids in front of him, "What should I do first? Get rid of you? Or perhaps chop off a limb from the Nine-Tails kid?"
Before he could make his decision, a water tentacle wrapped around his body and pulled him away from his opponents. He and Itachi turned to see Katara responsible for the action. "You'll do no such thing!" she yelled as used her other arm covered in water to send a large chunk of ice to slam into Kisame.
The former Mist ninja grunted as he braced the attack with his free arm and skidd backwards across the floor, but the elder waterbending master wasn't done yet. Katara then sent a multitude of ice spikes at Kisame and Itachi. Itachi, who had already let Sasuke fall to the ground in pain, threw a bunch of shuriken he had hidden and casted the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu on them to counteract the spikes.
The shuriken that didn't hit the ice shards kept speeding toward the tribeswoman. Katara, having seen the projectiles coming at her, used the remaining water she had to form a walled shield in front of her by freezing it as the shuriken struck at the ice.
"Impressive," Itachi spoke, "Despite how you've aged past your prime, you were still able to notice my attack coming at you and react accordingly… Katara of the Southern Water Tribe."
What? He knows who Master Katara is too? Korra deduced.
"However…" Itachi talked again as everyone heard sizzling sound of burning paper. Naruto and Korra looked Katara's ice shield and their eyes widened in horror as they realized that a kunai with a paper bomb attached to it was also embedded on the ice shield.
"Oh no!" Korra cried out.
"Water-Granny! Look out!" shouted Naruto.
Katara also noticed the kunai, but it was too late. The exploding tag detonated and destroyed the ice, blasting the elderly waterbender down the hall sliding across the floor.
"…that won't be enough against me," Itachi finished.
Naruto gritted his teeth in anger after that move, "Oh that does it!" he yelled as he brought out a kunai to hurl at the older Uchiha. "You won't get away with that!" Korra also yelled in anger, getting ready to firebend the man into a crisp.
"Both of you stop!" Katara yelled at them while struggling to get up causing both kids to stop in their tracks.
"Master Katara!" Korra exclaimed with concern.
With a great amount of effort, Katara managed to get back on her feet while glaring at the two enemy ninja. "They may be powerful, but they haven't defeated me yet!" she declared, "Old or not, they're still fighting against a master!"
She then used her bending to collect the steam and leftover ice from the previous blast and created an ice cylinder on the floor.
"Korra!" she yelled to her student.
It took about a second before the young Avatar realized what her master was about to do and took it as a warning. She then quickly grabbed Naruto and ducked the both of them on the ground. "Quick! Get down!" she whispered.
As soon as she saw her student and blonde friend duck out of the way, Katara immediately started swiping her arms across the top of the cylinder, causing thin ice disks to fly straight at Itachi and Kisame. The two had to quickly dodge the incoming disks to avoid getting sliced. Itachi took two kunai to help parry the attacks, while Kisame had to use his sword or on some points brace the attacks with his tough skin.
Naruto, Korra, and, to some extent, Sasuke watched the whole display.
Man, am I glad Master Katara is here. Korra thought, grateful.
Whoa! She's awesome! Naruto pondered with excitement.
Sasuke also watched with amazement as this elder woman was forcing his older brother to give more effort. However, it only served to irritate him further at the thought that he was still not strong enough to best him. No! I can't let it end like this! I've trained my whole life for this! He gritted his teeth as his arm was still in pain.
Meanwhile the two older ninja continued to dodge the sharp disks. This is getting annoying. Kisame thought as he kept doing the best against the attacks. Even with these attacks she still can't expect to beat us… unless. His eyes widened as he turned his eyes to meet Itachi's.
Apparently, his Uchiha partner had the same thoughts. She's stalling for Jiraiya to arrive. He realized.
Not wanting to waste any more time, he flashed through multiple hand-seals when he had an opening and took a deep breath.
Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!
He blew out a large ball of fire from his mouth and sent it speeding toward Katara. Things were looking bad for the elder waterbender as she was very low on water to use to defend herself from the attack. Korra could only look on with horror along with Naruto as the fireball made contact with where Katara was.
Master Katara. No. She thought as sadness started to well up inside of her.
However, as the smoke cleared, what they were expecting to be a charred body… was actually a large shield in the way. The shield lowered to reveal a human-sized battle toad of some sort. Katara was on her knees behind the toad, completely unharmed.
As everyone was piecing together what just happened, a puff of smoke appeared behind Naruto and Korra.
"So, you fools thought you could trick me with a beautiful young woman under the influence of a genjutsu," a familiar voice sounded out.
The two preteens got up and turned back to see that it was indeed Jiraiya, carrying the young girl that he ran off after slung over his shoulder and was doing a weird pose.
"Well as you can see, you've failed!" the Toad Sage continued, dramatically, "For the Great Master Jiraiya falls victim to no damsel! Rare beauties fall for me!" Jiraiya rolled his head around as if to show off his white mane. "Only when you reach a status like mine will the ladies be overwhelmed at your awesomeness!"
The whole hallway was silent after that speech… though not for reasons Jiraiya had hoped.
Sasuke was still on the ground in pain, but could've sworn he felt his eye twitch. Itachi and Kisame just stared blankly at the newly-arrived Sannin. Naruto and Korra just looked at him with annoyance etched on their faces. Finally, Katara just sighed and shook her head in disappointment.
Why couldn't he have arrived sooner? She thought to her displeasure.
Upon seeing as how his "magnificent" entrance failed to impress any one, Jiraiya had the decency to look sheepish while still in his pose.
Korra took this time to jump up and punch the Toad Sannin right on the top of his head.
"What the heck is your problem!?" she yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at Jiraiya, "Did it even occur to you that Naruto and I were in danger? If you got here sooner, Master Katara wouldn't have gotten hurt! Naruto was right! You are nothing but a lousy old pervert!"
Naruto joined in on the reprimanding, "Yeah! And what the heck was that about 'not falling for damsels'?! You fell for that trick with just a wink, Pervy Sage! Water-Granny had to run all the way over here to get to us thanks to your stunt!"
Jiraiya nervously chuckled, "Ya know, I'd really wish you two would stop calling me such things in front of other people," he replied with an embarrassed tone.
"LIKE WE CARE!" both Naruto and Korra yelled at the Toad Sage.
The three quit their bickering as soon as they heard some snickering from Kisame.
"I have to say, you're quite a disappointment, Jiraiya," he spoke while resting Samehada on his shoulder, "It's hard to believe that a lecherous old man like you with a disposition of a child is one of the legendary Sannin."
Naruto and Korra tensed as their two enemies seemed to know of Jiraiya as well, while mentioned Toad Sage said nothing to that remark and simply looked at Kisame and then at Itachi. He then went over to the wall and gently placed the unconscious woman against it.
"What kind of coward would do such a thing?" He said a calm but serious tone, "Using his Sharingan to cast an illusion on an innocent young woman just to separate me from Naruto."
This caught the attention of the two genin and young Avatar.
"I know that Naruto's the one you're really after," Jiraiya finished.
Itachi narrowed his eyes as if in thought, "I see. So that explains how Kakashi knew. He learned it from you," he said.
Naruto was wide-eyed after hearing that. What's he talking about? What did he do to Kakashi-sensei? He thought with a bit of anger and worry showing on his face.
"You're right. Naruto is the prize that the Akatsuki is after… and we will have him," Itachi said with a tone of finality.
That last statement made Korra's blood run cold. Akatsuki? Just who are they? What'll they do with Naruto?
Before she could protest to Itachi's claim, Jiraiya beat her to it, "I won't let you get Naruto," he declared, "In fact, with you two here, I can kill you both at the same time."
"No," Sasuke barely rasped out as he struggled to get up, "The one who's going to kill him… is me!"
All of the others looked at Sasuke with shock while Itachi just stared impassively at him.
"Go away. You don't interest me in the moment," he said.
Sasuke just ran to attack Itachi with his other arm, "Well, get interested!"
The attack failed, however, as Itachi simply kicked him all the way to the end of the hall. The younger Uchiha groaned as his back hit the wall hard.
"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled out as Itachi slowly walked over to his younger brother.
Katara could only watch as the enemy Uchiha walked past her and the toad protecting her. The blonde genin tried to run over to his comrade before Kisame blocked him, "Sorry kid, but I'm afraid that's family matter over there. Let's leave the two of them to sort it out, shall we?" he said with his smirk.
Naruto gritted his teeth as he couldn't get to help his friend.
Sasuke looked up as his brother stood in front of him, "Finally!" he yelled as he went for an attack. Itachi punched Sasuke hard in the gut which forced him to cough out blood. How? All these years I've spent training… is this… what it's amounted to? He thought as his brother proceeded to beat him.
Kisame chuckled, "No mercy at all."
The others could only watch in horror of Sasuke being beaten like drum by his older brother.
To think that this is what siblings here can be like. Katara thought helplessly at the sight.
What kind of older brother does this? Korra also thought.
Sasuke was laying on the ground after the beating in dismay. Why is he still so far ahead of me after all I've worked through? He looked over at Naruto and Korra. Their power. Is that a strength I would have to reach? Will I continue to stay weak?
His thoughts were interrupted when Itachi picked him up by the collar and pinned him against the wall.
"You're still too weak," the older Uchiha said emotionlessly while holding him, "You don't have enough hate, and you want to know something?" he brought his face closer to whisper in his ear, "You never will."
He then pulled away to look at Sasuke in the eye.
"Mangekyō Sharingan."
A loud scream erupted from Sasuke before he suddenly became unconscious. Naruto and Korra couldn't make sense of what just happened. What the hell did he do to him? Naruto thought, outraged.
What made him scream just now? Itachi didn't even hit him. Korra pondered.
"That's it. Korra, it's time we take this guy down!" Naruto declared.
"You got it. Let's make him regret hurting our friends," Korra said in agreement as she and Naruto ran to attack Itachi. Kisame then ran after the both of them to stop them.
At this point, Jiraiya decided to make his move. Damn! I shouldn't have let this escalate too far! He cursed to himself. I better end this now!
He went through several handsigns and placed hands on the ground.
"Summoning: Toad Mouth Bind!"
Before Korra, Naruto, or Kisame could run any further, they were all stopped by a fleshy substance that appeared on the floor. As they paid more attention, they realized that this substance was covering the entire area. Kisame suddenly realized that his sword was stuck in the substance while Naruto and Korra looked at the substance with both wonder and disgust.
"Well, bad luck for you two," Jiraiya taunted at the Akatsuki members with a grin, "because now you're trapped in the stomach of the mountain toad. Prepare to be digested."
"Gross," Korra muttered as she and Naruto looked at all the flesh that was covering the whole place. "This doesn't look good at all," Naruto spoke.
"Korra! Naruto!" Katara called from her position, "Just stay very still and trust in Jiraiya's jutsu."
The two younger ones nodded and did as they were told. Over where Itachi was, he noticed the walls of flesh absorbing Sasuke into it. He let go of his little brother and turned to his partner.
"Kisame. It's time to leave," he said while turning to run.
The blue-skinned man was having a hard time removing his sword from the ground. "Easier said than done," he muttered as he finally got it free, and then followed after Itachi.
"Oh no, you don't," Jiraiya called, "There hasn't been a ninja born that could survive this jutsu! You're finished!"
The two Akatsuki members turned the corner into another hallway so the others couldn't see them. However, the toad insides began to chase after the two. Naruto and Korra were amazed at how this sent their enemies running. They had to admit, for all of his quirks, Jiraiya was definitely worthy of being called one of the Sannin. He just might be able to put a stop to those two.
CRASH!
Everyone was stunned into silence as they heard a wall being broken through.
"…What just happened?" Korra questioned, summing up everyone's thoughts.
Getting up quickly, Jiraiya ran straight for the other hallway. When he turned to see were his enemies ran off to, he widened his eyes in shock. It can't be. He thought.
Naruto and Korra quickly ran to catch up with the Toad Sage. "Hey Pervy Sage, what's going o-" Naruto started but then stopped when he looked to see the damage left behind. Korra was also shocked to see a large hole through the wall with black flames being left behind. What the heck is that? She wondered. Katara walked up to them after the toad protecting her reversed summoned a few moments ago. Along with the others, she couldn't believe what she saw. Impossible! She thought. They broke through the jutsu?
Itachi and Kisame in the meantime were making their retreat.
"So we're just running away?" Kisame question, dissatisfied, "We're doing a lot of that today."
"Don't worry. We'll come back for Naruto when the time is right," Itachi replied to his partner, "Besides, I think it's best that we find somewhere to rest so I can recharge my powers."
He brought his hand to one of his eyes as he was feeling exhausted. I never thought I would use Tsukuyomi twice in one day, but to think I'd be pushed to use Amaterasu? This was more exhausting than I thought. But still, to think that not only Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, but also the Avatar would appear in the Shinobi lands, and in the company of the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, no less. That's rather curious.
Meanwhile, back at the inn, Naruto and Korra walked closer to the black flames to examine them.
"What the heck is this stuff?" Naruto asked no one in particular as he squinted his eyes at the flames.
"I dunno. I've heard stories about Princess Azula being able to firebend blue flames, but this is something else," Korra replied before she put her hands closer to the fire as if to see if she could bend it.
"Both of you! Back away from it!"
The yell from Jiraiya momentarily startled the two preteens into stepping back. The Toad Sannin made his way to the black fire and pulled out a scroll. He unrolled it, brought out ink and a brush and began writing a formula on it. Before either kid could ask anything, Jiraiya executed a few hand seals and performed a jutsu.
"Sealing Jutsu: Fire Sealing Method!"
Just then, chakra leapt out of the seal and collected the black flames before going back into the seal. Jiraiya then rerolled the scroll and tied it with a rope. "There. Now that's been taken of," he said, putting the scroll away, "Now to take care of Sasuke."
They all turned to the part of the stomach wall that began releasing Sasuke's unconscious body from it. The Leaf genin and Water Tribe girl were quick to retrieve Sasuke and gently lay him against the wall.
"Korra, do you have any water left?" Katara asked as she walked up to the kids.
"Uh, I think I have a little bit left," Korra replied, a little confused at where her master was going with this.
"Why don't you use that to do what you can to heal Sasuke's arm?" her master clarified.
"Oh. Right," Korra sheepishly replied, a little embarrassed at not realizing her master's reasons. With all that went on earlier, it slipped her mind.
She did as suggested and bent water out of the water skin she still had and began working on Sasuke's arm. She frowned as she saw his were glossed over as if in a trance. I'll admit I never liked his attitude in the past, but having a brother like that? I can't say I blame him. She thought.
The other three back with Katara watching Korra's progress and Jiraiya and Naruto continued to observe Sasuke's condition.
"Hey, Pervy Sage," Naruto spoke in an uneasy tone, getting the Sannin's attention, "He's gonna be alright, isn't he?"
Jiraiya looked back at the Uchiha's unmoving form and sighed, "Physically, yes," he said in a solemn tone, "but I'm a lot more worried about what's been done to his mind."
Naruto clenched his fists in anger at what's been done to his comrade. However, before he could express his thoughts, the sound of running footsteps and yell caught everyone's attention.
"DYNAMIC ENTRY!"
Before anyone could register who the newcomer was, that person's outstretched foot collided with Jiraiya's face. Everyone could only stand dumbfounded at seeing a green-clad man attack Jiraiya. They soon realized that it was none other than Might Guy, the taijutsu master of the Hidden Leaf Village. Said jonin was still in midair, flashing a smirk internally celebrating his entry… until his face turned blue after realizing whom he had kicked.
One irritated Sannin and embarrassed apology later, Jiraiya ordered Guy to take Sasuke back to the village. The others would go and continue their search for Tsunade, but Naruto had a different idea.
"Pervy Sage," he said, gaining everyone else's attention, "Those guys earlier… they after me, right? Then I guess it's no time run from them! I'll take'em on if that's what they want!"
"Whoa, what? Not without me you're not!" Korra said after healing Sasuke's arm. She may have decided to hold back then, but she now knew that it was no longer an option.
"Forget it, Korra. It's me they want! I'm not letting them attack anyone else!" the blonde knucklehead declared.
"Doesn't matter," Jiraiya interrupted the argument with a stern tone, "Neither of you are going after those two."
"What!?" Naruto shot back, outraged.
"But we can't just do nothing while guys like them are on the loose! We have to stop them!" Korra exclaimed, feeling the same way.
"Both of you. Listen to Jiraiya. We're not going after them," Katara said to them, also with a stern tone.
Korra and Naruto were surprised by the elder woman reprimanding them.
"Water-Granny…" Naruto sounded out.
Katara looked at the both of them and sighed, "I have to be honest with the both of you. Neither of you are strong enough to fight them."
This statement put Korra and Naruto's heads down in shame. The worst thing about it was that they couldn't really deny it either. The two Akatsuki ninja easily brushed off Naruto's wind chakra attack and render his use of the Kyuubi's chakra useless, and Korra's waterbending couldn't do much to keep them at bay. Even if she used the other elements they probably wouldn't have been very effective either. Still, hearing that being said to them out loud sort of stung.
"But that's the whole point of living to fight another day," Katara said with a bit of comfort making the two kids look up at her, "We've all managed live through this ordeal, and you both have witnessed shinobi of great caliber. Use this experience to further develop your skills and understand your opponents. That way, you'll be able to stand strong against them."
The two kids let this absorb into their heads before they nodded in agreement.
Both Jiraiya and Guy were looking on the scene with smiles on their faces. However, Jiraiya's face soon turned to a confused and then he started to pout. Why am I the one who still can't get brats to listen to me? He complained in his mind.
After a few minutes, everyone was outside the inn and Guy was about to take off with Sasuke on his back.
"Alright. I'm off," Guy started as he faced everyone before his departure, "Good luck to you all and find Lady Tsunade as soon as you can."
"You can count on us Bushier-Brow-sensei! We'll bring her back in no time!" Naruto shouted in determination. Korra nodded in agreement to this.
Might Guy looked down at the two and smiled with gratefulness, "You know, you two have a lot of guts. I suppose it's time I give you something. Lee got stronger with this and I think you two will benefit greatly from it."
Naruto, of course, was getting excited and Korra got curious as to what they were going to get.
The taijutsu master reached a hand into his flak jacket and pulled out a green full-body suit similar to his and Lee's.
Naruto's eyes were sparkling seeing the piece of clothing while Jiraiya's eyes were twitching and Katara and Korra sweatdropped. Guy went on to explain the benefits of the body suit with Naruto nodding along, while Korra seemed appalled at the thought of wearing that thing.
"He can't be serious about giving them that," Jiraiya mumbled next to Katara.
"He's… quite unconventional, but it depends on what they think," the elder woman replied, not sure what else to say.
Naruto took the green jumpsuit from Guy when he handed it to them. The Leaf jonin then looked to Korra, "Korra, how would you like to have one? You don't have to worry 'cause I brought a spare," he said reaching in his jacket for another one.
Korra quickly waved her hands in front of her, "Uh, no! No, I'm good. You really don't have to," She insisted—and sort of begged.
"Are you sure?" Guy asked, stopping and the Avatar quickly nodded, "Well, okay then. I better get going. Safe travels, all of you!"
Everyone waved as the Green Beast of the Leaf Village made his way back home with Sasuke in tow.
Once Guy was far enough away, Naruto began showing off his new gift.
"Man, you should gotten one of these, Korra. I'm mean, heck, this would look awesome on me don't ya think," Naruto said while imitating Guy and Lee's patented "nice-guy" pose.
One of Korra's eyes twitched just looking at him, "I'm burning it."
Please do. Jiraiya internally pleaded.
"What!? No way! I'm not letting you destroy something this awesome!" Naruto panicked as he backed away from her.
"Well, too bad! I'm getting rid of it! Now get back here!" Korra yelled as she started chasing Naruto around. Jiraiya sighed from seeing this. As much as I'd like her to burn it, we should be moving on. He thought, impatiently.
"So, Jiraiya," Katara said with concern, getting the Toad Sage's attention, "You knew that those two ninja from an organization called Akatsuki. I assume that they're after the Nine-Tailed Fox inside of Naruto, correct?"
"Oh, right. I haven't quite brought you up to speed yet," Jiraiya responded getting serious, "But yes, that's what I've learned. Unfortunately, what they want with it is still a mystery to me, but I know it can't be good."
Katara was hesitant before speaking again, "Do you think that there is a link between them and the group that tried to kidnap Korra nine years ago?" It was the last thing she wanted to think about, but she had to know, for sure.
Jiraiya folded his arms and hummed in thought with Korra still chasing Naruto in the background, "That would be troubling, but I have no knowledge of that either. I'm not completely sure if I could get the answer out of them. After all, nine years of interrogation still wasn't enough to break them. Part of me doubts it since neither Itachi nor Kisame seemed to immediately recognize who Korra was."
This didn't do much to ease Katara's worries. After that close call they had, she needed to find some way to prepare Korra for threats like them.
"In any case," Jiraiya spoke again, "With the Akatsuki coming after Naruto, I better get the kid started on intense training."
"Hmhm. Indeed," Katara replied in a way that made her sound unconvinced.
"What? I'm serious!" Jiraiya gestured his arms in a way that seemed to beg the older lady into believing him.
"Oh, no, Jiraiya. I'm certain you have every intention of taking this seriously," she replied, still sounding sarcastic as she went over to the kids to calm them down.
No faith in me whatsoever. Jiraiya internally complained with comical tears.
Meanwhile, two other individuals were on a journey of their own. The pale man that was leading was none other than Orochimaru. However, he seemed to be traveling with great difficulty, considering that both of his arms were hanging uselessly by his sides. The person behind him, Kabuto, his right-hand man and spy on certain occasions, was following him with his face etched with worry despite his efforts to hold it back.
"Orochimaru-sama," he began, "You mustn't push yourself needlessly. We'll reach her in due time."
The Snake Sannin snarled angrily, "You think I can rest at all? Especially with what Sarutobi had done to me!?"
Kabuto chose to remain silent, while Orochimaru was taking labored breaths as he felt a wave of agony in his arms. Curse you, Sarutobi! Even in death, you've succeeded in tormenting me. He thought in his suffering. No matter. Soon I'll be rid of this affliction. I'll find you in a matter of time… Tsunade.
That's all for now! Thanks for reading and please continue to favorite, follow, and review!