KG: Hey guys. Yes I am very, very, very late. I have no excuses so I won't try to give you one. Hopefully you'll just take this chapter and be happy with that. Also be happy, KyuubiGoku has discovered the JOYS of orange cream soda. Now I have something else to stock up in my refrigerator than regular cream soda. Alright!
KG: . . .Ahem, anyway, let's just go then right?
Music of the week: Hangman's Body Count by Volbeat.
Quote: "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong," by Mohandas Gandhi.
Naruto cursed under his breath as he backflipped through the air from the assailant's punch. His sword went flailing through the air wildly. Snarling, the blond lunged for it and grabbed it before landing down on the dirt with a small skid. Sasuke and Sai landed next to him while Sakura, carrying Shion, Kakashi and Yuna jumped into the trees. "The hell was that?" Naruto asked while Sasuke's eyes quickly turned red, spinning wildly, from trying to analyze what was in front of him. "It would appear that it's the enemy Naruto-san," Sai said getting a grumble from the blond while Naruto quickly got to his feet.
"Thanks for stating the obvious Sai. I'm asking what's with him right now." Naruto said in irritation and Sai shrugged his shoulders. "Keh, you're not bad kid. You actually managed to not only block my punch, but also keep your little butter knife from cracking. That must take some skill." The assailant answered. With a burst of wind and swing of his sword, Naruto made the dust surrounding the man's form blow away to reveal the form of Gitai as he held a giant grin on his face. He licked the corner of his lips while Naruto, quickly taking command, turned around. "Sakura, Kakashi, Yuna, get Shion out of here!" Naruto called out and Sakura snapped out of her stupor.
"And leave you here?!" Sakura asked. Granted yes, she still felt…hostility towards the blond in front of her for what he was doing, known to him or otherwise, he was still a member of her former team and Sakura cared about all of her teammates. "You really think I'm gonna let you leave? Priestess-chan is going to be bloodstains on my hands when I'm done with her," Gitai said slowly cackling while Shion tightened her arms around Sakura's form a little harder.
"Don't count on it. You're hardly the threat you claim to be if you're all we have to work with. You'll be dealt with quickly," Sasuke said gesturing to Naruto. The blonde gave a small grin before he held out his hand. "Kukan…ugh!" Naruto suddenly shouted shocking everyone as he dropped to his knees and grabbed the ends of his head writhing in agony. Kyuubi was feeling the same pain as his tails thrashed around violently. Gitai raised an eyebrow at what caused such a reaction from the blond man in front of him, but it didn't matter. In the end, he was going to die anyway.
"Naruto, are you alright?!" Kakashi asked while Naruto panted heavily, the pain subsiding. "Just get Shion out of here," Naruto said growling in anger while Sasuke quickly got in a position to protect Naruto, an action which surprised the blond if only a little. No, we have to get you out of here too!" Yuna called out.
"Remember the plan and don't argue! We can handle this!" It was Sasuke's voice that came suddenly making Yuna wince. "Sasuke," Yuna said more to herself while Sasuke's sword flared in lightning. Naruto stood to his feet and then gripped his sword. He gave an experimental jerk of his sword and he watched it glow in the white fire of Honshou.
"Okay so just using Honshou in its pure form doesn't do what happened last time. I can at least use it, but not so concentrated," Naruto thought to himself. He slowly nodded and sighed. Great, so other than a few others, his generally most powerful techniques were out, all three of them. "Naruto-san, I think it might be wise for you to go with them also. Here you might be a hindrance," Sai said as he learned in a book that friends appreciated honesty making relations go a lot smoother. Naruto grimaced and Sasuke sighed to himself.
"Shut up Sai," Naruto retorted and Sai nodded. Meanwhile, Sakura huffed and turned around. "You'd better not die Naruto. I still have to knock some sense into your ass," Sakura said and dashed away before Kakashi and Yuna could say anything.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Gitai hollered, suddenly finding the speed to pass Naruto, Sasuke and Sai as he dashed for Sakura's body. He grinned widely as his hand neared her pink shirt until he barely had the time to the sandals of a person as their foot slammed into his face knocking him to the ground in a heavy crash. Naruto smirked while Sai couldn't help but grin in turn. "Your speed has improved Sasuke," Naruto said while Sasuke landed on a branch and snorted.
"Don't act like you're faster than me loser," Sasuke said with a small smirk while Naruto chuckled. Seeing the sight, Kakashi sighed and shook his head. Honestly, these two were going to be the death of him one day. "You two better come back, got it?" Kakashi asked and getting Naruto and Sasuke to turn to him.
"Who do you think we are Kakashi?" They both asked at the same time forcing Kakashi to give an eyesmile. "Come Yuna, we're leaving," Kakashi said and before she could give her reply, Yuna suddenly found herself being dragged along through the trees running after Sakura who was carrying the client. In little to no time at all, the three disappeared into nothingness leaving Naruto, Sasuke and Sai to deal with what was in front of them.
"Kid, that was a mistake that you won't live to regret," Gitai said removing himself from the earth before glaring up at the young Uchiha heir while Sasuke rested his sword on his shoulder. "Instead of running your mouth why don't you show us what you're really made of?" Sasuke asked and Gitai snarled and with an intense glare that became a dark chuckle. He slapped his hands together for a single handsign.
"Very well. Don't regret it. Katon: Hibashiri," Gitai shouted and the three quickly jumped away from the rushing fire that spewed from his mouth. The fire bashed into the trees setting them ablaze while Sasuke swiftly left them and jumped to the ground. His sleeves rolled out five shuriken and he flung them perfectly at the target. Gitai effortlessly dodged them all before he widened his eyes in surprise as Naruto found his way around him. The blonde just had to touch him with his sword and that would be the end of him. "You let your guard down," Naruto said while Gitai smirked.
"You think so?" he asked and Naruto watched him duck underneath the blond's swinging white fire-encased sword. Naruto sucked his teeth before Gitai swung his legs and pushed them forward in a two-foot attack for Naruto's abdomen. Naruto lifted his right leg and blocked the dual assault. However he was surprised when Sai jumped over his back and sent a heel kick for Gitai's face. The white-haired man, seeing the coming action, rolled out of the way on the ground while's Sai's foot slammed into the dirt making it crack slightly. Gitai gave a small grin before he heard cackling. He turned and noticed Sasuke's sword tearing across the earth they all walked out in a straight line as his scarf flew back and forth.
"Chidori: Raimei( Thousand Birds: Thunderclap)," Sasuke cried and he gripped his sword with both hands. He brought his sword up and just as easily slashed it down only for it to be blocked by a kunai. Sasuke snarled while Gitai grinned. "Doton: Doryuoso," Gitai called out and Sasuke continued to snarl before he backflipped through the air just in time for earth spikes to launch themselves from the ground at his frame. Cleverly Sasuke maneuvered through them all and even managed to hop across one or two sending him further into the air. Gitai grinned, but was forced to take his eyes off Sasuke's form and bring them down as he noticed Naruto and Sai coming at him from different sides.
"You're all underestimating me!" Gitai shouted. Sai lunged at him with a kunai, but he sidestepped the pale teen before kicking him square in the stomach. Sai coughed before being rushed into the shrubbery behind him while Naruto brought his sword back. "Uzu no Fukushū: Gōka( Whirlpool Revenge: Hellfire)," Naruto said, the seals on his sword flared dangerously before disappearing and suddenly Naruto's sword was encased in a majestic flame as he swung at Gitai, but Gitai only chuckled when he leaned his body back letting Naruto swing forward. Believing that he held the advantage, Gitai smirked as he grabbed Naruto's leg. "Got you brat," He said as he lifted Naruto into the air.
"Actually, I've got you," Naruto said and before Gitai could ask what the blond meant, he was suddenly found restrained by white chains. The man widened his eyes while Naruto shouted. "Sasuke now!" Gitai quickly turned his head and he noticed Sasuke's sword blazing towards him in a crazy frenzy of lightning from the air. Sasuke swung his sword downward fully prepared to cut the man down before he moved. Growling, Sasuke's sword slammed into the ground causing it to crack from the pressure thus making it explode upon impact.
The dust settled and everyone noticed that the only remnant of the man was a log. "Shit, Sai move!" Sasuke shouted following the path of chakra back to its point of origin. He watched as Gitai made his way over Sai and the young shinobi could do very little before he was backhanded across the face. Skipping across the ground like a stone, Sai's momentum was stopped by Naruto while the blond held him up. "You know. I'm not in any real hurry here. I'll admit that those chains of yours are scary. I could feel them sapping my chakra like a tree with water, but I wouldn't get cocky brats. After all you didn't think that I would really stay here and not send someone else did you?" Gitai asked and the others gasped.
"What?" Naruto snarled out while Gitai grinned. "If you want to know what I'm talking about then why don't you make me talk?" Gitai suggested and Sasuke was more than willing to follow through with that suggestion.
"Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu," Sasuke shouted at the top of his lungs blowing a blazing flame in the direction of Gitai's form. Everyone watched the going flames as they raced for the enemy's form. Gitai watched them come for him, but the smirk on his face didn't drop. The reason for that was quite simple. He had heard a second voice and a smaller person stood in front of him. "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu," came the sounds of a feminine voice and out of nowhere a large spring of water flew into the air before shaping itself into the structure of a dragon as the waters slammed themselves into the flames quickly creating steam and bringing a thick mist over the field.
Sasuke, Naruto and Sai stood together looking around, Sasuke's eyes trying to look anywhere and everywhere to find their targets. "Naruto, are you feeling better to try it?" Sasuke asked and Naruto clenched his hands. "No. Whatever's happening then it's something internal and not external with me. Sorry Sasuke, but in terms of those techniques then I'm out," Naruto replied and Sasuke sighed.
"Tsk, we've got to get back to the others," Sasuke said and Naruto snarled. "I know that dammit," Naruto retorted and before the blond could even blink he was suddenly kicked in the stomach. Naruto grunted, but managed a rebound landing on his feet.
"You guys are really something else. Is this the best that Konoha shinobi can do? An Uzumaki heir and an Uchiha heir?" came a mocking sound. Naruto and Sasuke didn't respond to the threat, but it did irk them somewhat. Between a problem with Naruto's power source and their new opponents, it was easy to say that everything had gone to shit.
"I didn't need your help Shizuku," Gitai said coming into view while Naruto stumbled to his feet. This woman hit real hard. He literally felt like Kurama probably felt that one. It wasn't as hard as Tsunade's punches, but damn was it something else. "No I didn't think that you did, but Setsuna and Kusuna told me to check on you. They've already engaged the target," Shizuku said and Naruto widened his eyes as did Sasuke. Sai didn't show an expression, but inwardly he was vaguely concerned as well.
As Fate would have it, everyone heard a thunderous explosion off in the distance shaking the very ground that they walked on. Sai and Sasuke shifted their balance, but Naruto was too weak and dropped down. He growled as they watched smoke and flames rise into the skies above. They could see that that location was where they had just sent Yuna and Kakashi if the speed and timing was right. "Kuso!" Naruto said to himself before he jumped up. He didn't care. He would take the pain later, but right now. "Forgive me Kyuubi. Jikuyugami no Jutsu," Naruto called out and everyone watched as Naruto flared his Honshou dangerously. Naruto gritted his teeth in sheer pain as it felt like his arms were about to burn off from the burning sensation that he felt.
The purple portal slowly started to appear while the sweat began to drop from Naruto's face. "Like we're going to let you complete that!" Shizuku shouted holding a kunai. She flung it forward for Naruto's forehead, but she found it blocked by the sword of one Uchiha Sasuke. He stood between them and Naruto before glancing back. "You really are an idiot," Sasuke said while Naruto chuckled.
"Shut up Teme," Naruto replied back while his fingers clenched suddenly. The portal began to spasm out of control while Sai stood next to Sasuke. "I'll have to ask about that technique later," Sai said with a small smile and Sasuke grumbled underneath his breath. It was obvious that this guy was watching them carefully. Actually it seemed that he was doing it a little too carefully. Sasuke didn't know why they were put under such scrutiny, but he didn't have the time to care as both heard a slump. They turned around and the worst was justified when they saw Naruto on his knees, his hands on the ground twitching slightly. The portal was gone.
"Well well it looks like we were scared for nothing. I think you're kind of cute kid, but don't take it personally. You never really had a shot," Shizuku said and Gitai grinned. The others looked back and they could see the dark purple chakra oozing off the duo. Soon the color of their faces changed, turning pale white similar to the outline of a mask. Shizuku smirked to herself and held up a handsign. "Katon: Hibashiri," Shizuku shouted and the flames blasted forward tearing the ground into pieces. The trio watched the flames coming for them and Sasuke growled slowly. Meanwhile, Gitai grinned and slammed the ground.
"Doton: Tsuchi Kairō( Earth Release: Earth Corridor)," Gitai shouted and the others felt the earth rock quickly reshaping the landscape. Sasuke and Sai, holding Naruto barely to his feet, watched as the earth tried to enclose around them. The only opening that they had was the one where the flames were coming, and very fast. In essence, there was no escape for them.
The flames rushed over them and exploded off in the distance. "Hahaha see Gitai? That's how you deal with trash!" Shizuku said while Gitai snorted to himself. If he were honest he wished that he had taken them out himself. He never asked for her help. It's not like he was having a tough time because he wasn't. No he was just getting into the mood and now she had to ruin it for him just like that. Gitai didn't even get to show what he was made of. Shizuku's form changed back to her original features and Gitai's did the same. "You really know how to ruin all the fun don't you?" He asked looking at the orange flames.
"Hmph, well fuck you then," she replied back. They two began to turn back until they noticed the flames suddenly burst. They turned and neither could hide the surprise on their faces when they noticed the flames swirl violently. "N-No way," Shizuku said before she and Gitai noticed that the flames seem to splash next to them like water. Both jumped back and the heard the sounds of feet hitting the ground.
"Uchiha no Hanran: Karyū Nenshi( Uchiha Rebellion: Flame Dragon Twister)," Sasuke shouted and with a sudden rip of his sword from its sheath, Sasuke send the flaming spiraling into the air before they broke apart and in a majestic display of Katon techniques managed to converge on their targets like a shower of falling stars as they bashed into the ground with a heavy explosion. Neither Gitai nor Shizuku were seen.
"Shit," Sasuke mumbled to himself. He quickly hoisted Naruto's arm over his shoulder and shot off into the distance along with Sai. "We can't stay here anymore. Sai, make your damn bird and fly us over there!" Sasuke pointed to the burning location.
"Even on my bird that would still be a distance to cover. As expected of Kakashi Hatake and Yuna-san. They really are quick on their feet," Sai said before Sasuke growled. "Do it dammit! That attack wasn't meant to kill them. It was a simple stall!" Sasuke said and Sai sighed to himself before nodding. He took his ink brush and drew a bird.
"Ninpo: Chōjū Giga( Ninja Technique: Super Beast Imitating Drawing)," Sai called out and a large ink bird flew into the sky. Sasuke hoisted Naruto on top of the bird while he and Sai jumped on. The wings of the ink bird flapped and they flew off. Sasuke quickly assessed the situation before looking back to the destroyed area. "Something's wrong. Why did those guys have small traces of Honshou? They shouldn't be able to contain it if Naruto's explanation of it was any consequence. Sasuke didn't understand and, why did it seem like the Honshou was being forced from it his body. It was like something was sapping away at it slowly, very slowly. Sasuke just knew that this was bad. If Naruto's honshou dropped down then he wouldn't have a source of power and that really would make him a liability to the mission. Now Sasuke was really worried about Shion's prophecy.
As they flew off, Naruto felt the wind in his hair. He opened one of his eyes and the sounds of reverberating laughter echoed in his mind. "Yes! Yes! YES! This power is glorious. With this power I will truly rule over mankind and everything else. Forget the priestess, her power is useless if I have this power. You will be mine, you and that being inside of you. I want you both. I must devour you both!" He laughed and Naruto frowned before the voice faded out.
"Kyuubi, the hell?" Naruto asked and Kyuubi growled. "Shut it brat. You should see the fuckin' mess that your coils are in right now. You'd better be grateful dammit. You'd better hurry up and get off this land. If not then it's more than likely that you will die," Kyuubi said and Naruto frowned.
"How is that even possible?" Naruto asked and Kyuubi shook his head. "Hell if I know brat. I just know that it has something to do with this demon that you're sealing. Somehow he got in here and he's siphoning off your chakra like a damn drug addict," Kyuubi said and Naruto groaned.
"So that's why I'm running low. How long has this been going on?" Naruto asked and Kyuubi snorted. "If I had to fathom a guess for you then I would say as soon as this land came into view of your ship. You had so much Honshou that you probably didn't notice. Now the only thing keeping you alive here is me and your mother," Kyuubi said and Naruto frowned. He had his mother for saving his life again. He chuckled to himself before struggling to make his voice a little louder.
"Sasuke, Sai!" Naruto called getting the two to turn around. "Be ready to…intercept. They're going to need us," Naruto said grunting as he forced himself to lean up. His muscles felt sore, but her persevered through it.
"You sure that you can even get up?" Sai asked while Naruto frowned. "I'll be fine. Just focus on what we have to do dattebayo," Naruto replied and Sai turned to Sasuke for confirmation. He only got the Uchiha glancing to the Uzumaki before giving a small smirk on his face.
"You really are a stubborn loser. Orders received," Sasuke said as they flew away from their battlefield never noticing two sets of eyes watch them leave with smiles on their faces before vanishing away into nothingness.
-With Kakashi and Yuna-
Cackling was easily found to be in a sea of flames that used to be the ground. Kakashi jumped back with a narrow of both his eyes. Yes, Kakashi had revealed his sharingan while he held his father's sword. How did this happen? They were going to get away, but now this happened. Just about a few minutes after they got away from the first fight they now had their second one. Out of Kakashi's periphery he could see Yuna snarling from off in the distance.
Yuna was currently dealing with one of the two assailants while Kakashi dealt with the other one. "You chose the wrong group to attack," Kakashi said tightening his grip on his sword. "I'll believe that when I see it Kakashi Hatake. Just hand over the priestess and we might consider letting you live," came the voice of a certain pink-haired assailant. No, it was definitely not Sakura. She was right behind Kakashi still holding the scared priestess in her quivering form.
"Sorry, but I don't negotiate with the dead," Kakashi responded back and a tick mark appeared on the assailants head before he chuckled with a little strain. "By my name of Kusuna, I will kill you Kakashi Hatake. I will also kill the priestess, Shion!" Kusuna called and Kakashi growled. He quickly blocked Kusuna with his sword as the pink-haired man drew a kunai. They two glared at each other before pushing back.
"Sakura, take the client out of here. We'll be right with you," Kakashi said while Sakura grimaced. No, this was just like the last time. "Kakashi-sensei, not you too! I can't leave you guys too!" Sakura said while Kakashi held his sword in a defensive stance.
"Remember the mission Sakura! You have to protect Shion-san," Kakashi said and Sakura shivered. She bit her lip while Shion frowned. This was what she didn't want. She didn't want people dying for her. Her life wasn't that important. What would it matter if a demon ruled the world? The world was already unfair and it was already ruled by demons. What could be done about it? "I can't abandon you! I won't!" Sakura said hastily while Kakashi cursed. He widened his eyes in shock when Yuna was send crashing into the ground. The female Uchiha scowled and brushed her hair back before quickly standing up. Kakashi sighed before turning around and Sakura noticed his smile.
"This isn't abandonment Sakura. This is just meeting at a later date," Kakashi said and Sakura widened her eyes and hung her mouth open. Kusuna took the opportunity and dashed forward. However, he didn't get what he wanted as Kakashi twirled his body and bashed his sword against Kusuna's steel kunai. The two gave of sparks against each other as they glared at each other. "You're already dead. You, the priestess, and your group!" Kusuna said while Kakashi frowned.
"Sakura. LEAVE!" Kakashi raised his voice and Sakura stepped back. "You don't meet us and I will kick your ass Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura shouted before she dashed off with Shion in her arms. The two ran through the tree branches in a blur. The two forms disappeared into the foliage and Kakashi gave a small smile. He then turned back to his current predicament.
"You really think you're saving her? You're only delaying the inevitable," Kusuna said while Kakashi grinned. "I'd like to think otherwise. Besides I'd rather not die. My mate wouldn't be happy with me and I also need to smack some sense into my lost friend," Kakashi said confusing the man, but he had given up on understanding the one-eyed jonin. Kusuna sent a kick for Kakashi's center, but Kakashi raised his leg and blocked it easily. Flipping back, the two dashed forward and clashed once again. Kakashi turned and noticed Yuna weaving herself through her opponent.
"Katon: Nagare no Jutsu," Yuna said blowing a stream of fire towards the one named Setsuna. The man jumped away from her technique and flung six kunai forward. Yuna blocked them all with her own kunai. Her sharingan spun wildly in her eyes as she followed Setsuna's movements. The male frowned before he clapped his hands together. He noticed Yuna do the same. "Hoping to copy my technique are you?" he asked and Yuna smirked.
"Just figured that you would like to share," Yuna said smiling deviously while Setsuna chuckled. "Truly you are a fascinating woman. It is as shame that I have to kill you," he said and Yuna grinned.
"Don't count on it. I still haven't restored my clan yet," Yuna said, but she realized her words and couldn't stop the blush on her face. Setsuna sweatdropped at the scene while Yuna let out a girlish giggle. He heard something about her saying 'I'll name you…so and so.' Coughing to get her attention, Yuna shook her head and turned back. She then realized that she was being looked at weirdly before growling.
"Katon: Gōryūka no Jutsu," Yuna shouted launching dragon flames from her mouth. Setsuna couldn't even stop his handsigns in time so he just decided to jump in the air and let it go. "Fūton: Kamikaze( Wind Release: Divine Wind)," He shouted ushering in a mighty wind from his hands and Yuna was forced to jump away as the wind jutsu bashed into the ground. Yuna widened her eyes as the wind's pressure was strong enough to cause some trees to tilt their leaves.
Imagine her surprise when she noticed Kusuna being slammed into one of the trees before he slumped to the ground. She turned back and noticed Kakashi glaring forward. Yuna took that opportunity to hop to his side and the two stood next to each other. "How are you feeling?" Yuna asked and Kakashi snorted.
"Could be better," he said and Yuna chuckled. She then felt chakra flare and glanced forward to see Setsuna flashing through more handsigns. "Is he insane? At this range I could perform a Katon jutsu and have his jutsu increase my flames," Yuna said while Kakashi frowned.
"Something's wrong," he said and Yuna couldn't help, but agree. She would have liked nothing more than to use her Jinton and take him out entirely, but for some reason, Yuna was getting a slight headache whenever she used her Mangekyou sharingan. She didn't know why, but she had opted not to use it unless she needed it. Plus, she hated to admit it, but her eyes weren't getting better. Even now she had a few blurry lines around her target. Yuna gave a low growl while gripping her kunai tightly. Her sharingan easily found Setsuna's speed and held her leg into the air. If Setsuna was surprised then he didn't show it as he leg came into contact with Yuna's raised leg. The two actually felt their bones shiver from the contact. They glared at each other heatedly until Setsuna noticed Kakashi jump over Yuna's entire body. He cursed when Kakashi's sword swung at his face. He jumped away and Yuna took this time to use for her advantage. As Kakashi landed, Yuna then jumped and held out her hand. She pressed against Kakashi's back and launched herself into the air.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Yuna turned around and a kunai was the only thing that saved her eyes from being gouged out as they clashed with Kusuna. The two unleashed a barrage against the other. Kusuna swung his body and stabbed a kunai into Yuna's midsection. Yuna winced and Kusuna smirked.
However that smirk didn't last long as Yuna poofed out in smoke. He covered his eyes, but the lack of sight from that smoke stopped him from seeing the sudden lightning powered that came in front of his face. Kusuna widened his eyes as Kakashi's eyes glared defiantly. His sword slowly made its way for Kusuna's face and the pink-haired man was unable to move being in the air. "Fūton: Daitoppa," came a loud shout. Kakashi widened his eyes before a heavy burst of wind knocked Kusuna away from the one-eyed Hinoken member's blade. Kakashi performed an elegant backflip through the air and landed down.
Kusuna landed a few feet from him next to his partner while Setsuna had his hand extended. "Thanks Setsuna. I was almost gonna die there," Kusuna said while Setsuna slowly nodded. They then noticed Kakashi gave an eyesmile. "Maa maa, don't count yourselves out yet," Kakashi said quickly jumping back leaving the two to their confusion. Both gasped when a large white cube appeared over them. They tightened their gaze and noticed Yuna far off, her eyes bleeding with two fingers on her temple to moderate the headache that was coming with her.
"Jinton: Chirasu( Dust Release: Dispersing)," Yuna said under her breath and the cube imploded in white light. Destroying whatever was inside. Yuna dropped to her knees and huffed. Her eyes turned back to their onyx filling and she could see the hazy outline of Kakashi looking down at her. "Yuna, are you okay?" Kakashi asked and Yuna panted before nodding. Kakashi helped her to her feet as they walked out into the field.
They could see the small crater where Yuna activated her jutsu. "I didn't get them," Yuna said and Kakashi turned to her. "What do you mean?" Kakashi asked and Yuna closed her eyes for a second for some focus before they heard chuckling.
"And here I thought the Uchiha clan was entirely dead. To think a woman survived. Most impressive and even yet one who is able to use the Jinton of Iwa's Tsuchikage. Most curious," Kakashi and Yuna turned to the source of the noise, but they got nothing for their looking before they looked up to the trees and saw a man with waist-length black hair so similar to Yuna's own. On his tree branch were the unconscious forms of Kusuna and Setsuna, but the sight that had them more worried was the sight of Sakura slung over his shoulder.
"Sakura!" Kakashi called while the man grinned. "So that's her name. You were all fools to think you could get away from us. To think that I actually had to intervene. Be proud of yourself Konoha shinobi, but don't bother. I've taken care of your priestess and for your subordinate I would suggest you getting her medical attention soon. I'm in a good mood," he said before he dropped Sakura with the pink-haired kunoichi's head falling for the ground first. Kakashi disappeared from Yuna's side and grabbed Sakura's body while sliding across the ground.
You'll be in the same fate as the priestess if you continue. Well it won't matter. Soon the entire nations will fall before our lord, Mōryō-sama," he said before his group vanished in something dark. Kakashi snarled, but he was taken away from that when he heard Sakura scream. He looked down and he noticed Sakura clutching her chest in pain. Her right arm was bulging in a dark purplish color with veins making themselves apparent. "Yuna, can you help her?" Kakashi asked in haste and Yuna cursed.
"I only have field medic experience, not actually medic experience. This would be beyond me at the moment," Yuna said suddenly regretting not taking those medic lessons that kunoichi were suggested to take before heading out into the field. Both could do nothing but let Sakura scream before they saw a shadow in the sky. The object dispersed and three figures landed on the ground. "What's going on?' Sasuke asked noticing Yuna's form and Yuna cursed. Naruto, with Sai's help, looked over to Sakura and he didn't really need to be told anything. It seemed that he would need to be handling sacrifices once again. The thought didn't make Naruto happy, sad nor angry. It made him more…neutral if he gave it a word.
"Sai, take me to Sakura," Naruto huffed out and Sai nodded. He dragged Naruto to Sakura and laid the blond next to her. Kakashi spread out her body while the sweat poured off Sakura's body. Naruto looked at Sakura for a bit before finally placing his hand over her arm. He closed his eyes and gently pushed his Honshou into her body. He could feel it being directed into her bulging arm as he had to be careful. Sakura wasn't reincarnated so she could very well die from exposure to his power, but Naruto could feel the malicious chakra in her arm and he was sure that being as purifying as it was, his Honshou could destroy it clearing her chakra system and making her arm stop bulging.
No one said anything as they watched Naruto work. His honshou met with the dark chakra and the two battled for but a second before the Honshou destroyed every single piece of the vile energy until it was gone. Slowly Sakura stopped screaming and her arm stopped pulsing. The veins disappeared and Sakura slipped back into blissful unconsciousness. Naruto gave a grin before he felt a cloth wipe his forehead. He turned and noticed Yuna looking at him. "Are you okay Naruto-sama? You are sweating," Yuna said, not using his title since Sai was there. "I'm fine," Naruto said looking up. He noticed a few spirits pointing to where Shion's body most likely was. Naruto closed his eyes and Kakashi took him to his feet.
"You're still the leader of our mission Naruto. What do we do?" Kakashi asked and Naruto turned to him before looking forward. "Yuna, take Sakura's body. Sai and Sasuke, go ahead. Kakashi and I will, be helping me get to the place a few minutes from here," Naruto said and everyone nodded. They rushed off through the trees, but because of Naruto's sluggishness Sai and Sasuke blasted ahead while Yuna hand Sakura's body hunched over her own.
Naruto and Kakashi were straggling behind and Kakashi smiled. "A little at a time Naruto. No need to rush," Kakashi said and Naruto nodded slowly. He could feel his body weakening from the lack of Honshou. Naruto had never felt so drained before, but he would get through it. Naruto wondered if his mother was feeling the same. He would have to deal with Mōryō faster than he thought. Naruto slowly watched as the ground beneath them began to blur and his eyelids slowly began to close.
"Never. I will never submit to someone like you. You think I care that you are looking for me? I will not give in to you. You are just a brat. You know nothing of the world. You will never be my master. I will never let you command me. I will devour you, your family, your summons, and your priestess. You will not take my soul. I will kill you before that happens!" A voice that wasn't as deep as Kyuubi's came forward into Naruto's head, but the blond didn't reply to the person talking. "Kyuubi?" Naruto called out experimentally and Kyuubi responded.
"Yeah I heard it brat. Don't worry, by tomorrow you'll be running off my chakra. You should know how much I have so you'll be fine, but try not to get too excited," Kyuubi advised and Naruto just nodded slowly suddenly letting himself go into some unconsciousness.
Sasuke and Sai, far ahead, were surprised at the distance Sakura seemed to be able to cover. Naruto would mumble directions for their group to go and in about half an hour they finally discovered Shion, or her body at least. Everyone could see her just at a tree. Her body slumped to the ground with a trail of blood hanging from her lips. "So we were too late," Sai said while Sasuke frowned.
About two minutes behind them came Yuna and her unconscious companion, Sakura, as they dropped to the ground. Yuna laid Sakura down and huffed. Kami, the pink-haired girl was heavy. What? Okay so sue Yuna for not having inhuman levels of strength.
"She's dead," Sai said removing his hand from Shion's throat. "I kind of got that already," Yuna said angrily. She couldn't believe how things had turned out.
In another five minutes, Naruto and Kakashi came down and they could already tell the atmosphere around everyone that it was confirmed. Shion, the priestess was dead. "What now?" Sasuke asked knowing full well what Naruto was going to do. "Kakashi, take me to her," Naruto instructed and Kakashi nodded without question. Both trudged to Shion's body, Naruto's eyes hazily looked at her form, in anyone else's eyes he was swaying like a tree in the wind obviously exhausted by some unknown means, but knowing the Uzumaki were famous for their stubbornness no one stopped him. On the contrary, Sai seemed to be looking at Naruto more intently than before. Sasuke narrowed his eyes as did Yuna and Kakashi. None of them were sure that Naruto had just conveniently forgot that Sai was watching him. If he did then he really needed another lesson from Kushina on subtlety.
"Hey Sai, come help me with Sakura," Yuna said both to actually help their comrade and try any distraction for Naruto as everyone noticed the blond never stopping in his current endeavor towards Shion's body. "I'm sure that she will be fine while we rest. Why the way Naruto-san, what do you plan on doing?" Sai asked with a fake smile, but Naruto didn't register it. Actually, he didn't even register Sai as his eyes wearily kept to Shion's form, but something was wrong. The energy around her body wasn't normal, in fact it was actually less than he remembered her having. When Naruto had spent that time with Shion, he wasn't just relaxing while trying to get her away from the compound. He was also feeling her out in the figurative sense. For a girl who never seemed to train or had any shinobi practice that he had guessed, she still had very large reserves of chakra. It was amazing actually, her reserves were as high as the standard Anbu were which was about the same as Fuka and Guren's from their Uzumaki blood. It slightly baffled Naruto as when he was looking at this girl's form it was like now she just had the chakra of a mid-chunin. There was no way that much chakra could leave someone's body even with the amount of time that they had in getting to her which wasn't that long at all.
As Kakashi brought Naruto over Shion, they gazed at her body and Kakashi turned to Naruto. "Naruto, what are you going to do?" Kakashi asked, but Naruto didn't offer a response.
Yuna snarled and clenched her hands while seeing Sai glare forward unmoving. She then widened her eyes when she felt a pat on her shoulder. Yuna turned and noticed Sasuke nodding. Yuna raised an eyebrow as Sasuke basically told her to follow his lead. "Hn Loser, if you're going to do what I think you're going to do then here," Sasuke called. Sai's eyes only left for a second to see Sasuke throw his sword in their direction. Sai narrowed his eyes as everyone watched the weapon sailing through the air. Kakashi quickly grabbed it and Naruto turned back to Sasuke. The two seemed to be talking with their eyes and Kakashi suddenly smiled while Naruto chuckled.
"Sasuke's right, Naruto. We can't do it without this," Kakashi said and Naruto chuckled. "Thanks Teme," Naruto said and Sasuke nodded. All eyes were back and Kakashi swung the blade letting it shine in the sun. Yuna grinned widely. Unknown to Sai, her eyes had morphed from black to red as she stared at the metal. Thanks to her Sharingan slowing time down for her, Yuna managed to reflect those eyes from the metal into Sai's eyes. Yuna gave a smirk before she quickly placed Sai under her genjutsu.
"You have ten minutes Shikyō-sama," Yuna said and Naruto sighed to himself before slowly shaking his head in acceptance. Naruto knelt down to Shion and placed his left hand on her forehead. "Reveal yourself to me, soul of the deceased," Naruto called out closing his eyes. They then took their silver-ish color and Naruto noticed someone standing next to Shion's body, only this wasn't Shion.
"Greetings Shikyō-sama. Never in all my life would I have thought that you would be the one for me to see. I, now, wish I could commit suicide for the disrespect I felt for you before," came a voice, a manly voice. Naruto looked up and he couldn't resist casting a glare. It was not Shion in his presence, but her bodyguard Taruho. "What are you doing here?" Naruto steely. Taruho shivered under his eyes before lowering his gaze.
"Your eyes command such respect. It's actually amazing that I feel such unnatural fear from them," Taruho said, but he could see that his try at casual conversation wasn't working as Naruto looked at him with slight irritation, shock, anger, and some relief. He could guess why though. "Are you going to tell me Taruho? Why is your soul bound to Shion's?" Naruto asked and Taruho sighed, but nodded quickly. The old bodyguard floated himself to the ground and sat in front of Naruto, the only barrier being 'Shion's' body.
"I am terribly sorry for the deceit Shikyō-sama, but when I was alive my loyalty was to Shion-sama. Even now I wish her the best, but my utter loyalty is to you now. This all happened because of an ability that Shion-sama has, but before I get to that; please don't be angry with Shion-sama. She has had a. . .difficult childhood," Taruho said meekly and despite himself, Naruto felt a portion of his anger dissipate when he heard Taruho speak of the young priestess. Naruto rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"What has this got to do with her?" Naruto asked and Taruho sighed. "It has to do with why she is the way she is. You see, or as you have recently come into contact with, Shion-sama's unique ability. She has the power to. . .see the future, or more precisely a person's death," Taruho explained to his master. Naruto narrowed his eyes and placed a finger to his chin. He didn't say anything so Taruho took that as a means to continue.
"It happened from her eyes. It was involuntary as she could never have any control over it. When someone died then she would know about it. As I told you, her predictions are a hundred percent correct. It was because of this that people avoid her or looked at her with fear. No one wanted to get close to her because they were afraid that they would be next to die if they did. Add to her role of well priestess stature then she was put on another class of society than normal people. She was seen as untouchable because of her mother was also the hero of the Land of Demons. She sealed the demon Mōryō back where he was supposed to be. Well Shikyō-sama, this is not entirely true. I must tell you this before I continue," Taruho said and Naruto narrowed his eyes.
From everyone's view Naruto was sitting still as if he was meditating. Him looking at nothing in the air, but they knew the truth. "How are you doing Yuna?" Kakashi asked and Yuna slowly nodded. "Still holding strong. Little Shi-Shi wasn't the only one who was a genjutsu prodigy with the sharingan," Yuna said holding a small grin. Sasuke grinned and folded his arms while Kakashi chuckled.
Meanwhile, Naruto processed that information well and sighed. "I see. So that's how it worked out. That way Shion would still be safe as always and Mōryō would be sealed. As expected of a priestess, dattebayo," Naruto claimed and Taruho nodded swiftly. "Hai, I hope you can understand Shion-sama at least a little bit. I know she didn't ask for this, but I wanted her to try and be happy. Despite my efforts she had ended up like this," Taruho explained before stopping letting Naruto process everything. If Naruto was his old self then he would have understood, but not so much technical stuff. His mother had been adamant about that. Though she wasn't very good at it either.
"However," Taruho brought Naruto's attention back making the blond look at the white soul of the person that was once Taruho. "Shion-sama had changed. She. . .started having strange dreams. Dreams that would make her sweat in the middle of the night or even screaming on a couple of occasions. The physicians looked her over, but they could never find anything wrong with her, physically at least. She even checked out emotionally and mentally," Taruho said and Naruto gave a small smirk.
"What about spiritually?" Naruto asked and Taruho raised an eyebrow though due to him being a white soul in the sun then it wasn't seen very well. "I do not understand," Taruho said and Naruto looked at the sky.
"The same thing happened to me a few times. Nothing was wrong with me, but it was just my powers going to another level. I'm sure that's what happened to her," Naruto said and Taruho frowned. "E-Even if that was true then wouldn't it have happened while she was young? This only started happening about eleven months ago and then there was this weird swirl symbol that the maids found at the nape of her neck when they were giving Shion-sama her bath," Taruho said in confusion. He looked back to Naruto and instantly noticed Naruto's wide eyes staring at the corpse of the Shion-disguised Taruho.
"Shikyō-sama?" Taruho asked, but Naruto didn't hear him since his mind was a maelstrom of thoughts. Was it his fault? Was he the reason that she had been having those nightmares? When they had first met, Shion had looked at him fearfully. It was almost like she could feel something off about him. Something that didn't sit right with her. It was almost like…she had predicted him! Except. . .she hadn't! "Taruho, how much chakra did Shion's mother have?" Naruto asked and Taruho looked up at the sky. He wasn't sure if Naruto was avoiding the subject, but he answered nonetheless.
"Well if I had to compare her to anyone then I would say that as a child she had a jonin's chakra reserves. My father had been her bodyguard and he told me nearly everything about Miroku-sama. She was always a bundle of energy as a child. No matter how tired someone else was, she was still able to keep going, even for extensive periods of time. To say, she was actually the most fit priestess that the Land of Demons ever had though she began to grow up and lose playfulness, but no one could ever understand Miroku-sama's controlled addiction to ramen," Taruho said and Naruto's eyebrow twitched.
"How could you say that?! It's the food of the gods!" Naruto all but growled out and Taruho blinked. "Strange, Miroku-sama said something on those lines too. Tou-san said that she said something on the lines of 'the next one who would die would be my father if he insulted ramen ever again," Taruho said and Naruto chuckled despite himself. "But then there was always that word she would say when she met her destined one. Whenever she was happy she always said 'dattebakūyo'," Taruho explained further. For Naruto, if nothing else hit him then this was a smack to the face for the blond. However he had to be sure of one more thing.
"Did Shion ever. . .have an interest in Fūinjutsu?" Naruto asked and Taruho snickered at that. "Ahh those were good days. Shion-sama would be in her room, or outside, drawing on paper or the ground with strange markings all the time. We had found that she had copied the compound sacred seal arts before Miroku-sama stopped her wanting the priestess to have a normal childhood," Taruho said and soon the smile turned to a frown. Naruto clenched his hands, but kept himself in place. It wouldn't do well for him to get angry right now. "How did you know that?" Taruho asked and Naruto scratched his cheek.
"Taruho, I think…she's an Uzumaki," Naruto said and Taruho widened his eyes to Naruto's words. " A Uzumaki? Shikyō-sama, would you please elaborate? If this is true then, more than likely. . .," Taruho said and Naruto kept up with him easily. "At this point it's kind of obvious. You see, the Uzumaki are from Uzu no Kuni originally. We had, or have, higher than normal levels of chakra and stronger chakra coils giving us better stamina and vitality than the average shinobi. We also have an aptitude for Fūinjutsu as it's what made us a deadly clan during the First and Second Great Shinobi Wars. We also have our nation's dish which…," Naruto didn't have to finish as Taruho connected the dots.
"Was ramen," Taruho completed and Naruto slowly nodded while Taruho gasped. "What…happened to the clan?" Taruho asked and Naruto's smile took a downward turn.
"Fear happened. Shinobi nations started to fear the Uzumaki because of our genius fūinjutsu skills and we were attacked. Our nation was destroyed and Uzumaki fled to all corners of the nations to seek refuge. However it is my dream and goal to bring back our clan. I will let Uzumaki know that we're not dead and we're still a family!" Naruto proclaimed and Taruho couldn't help, but smile.
"I see. So it was out of fear for your powers that Shion-sama lied about your prediction. If one thought about it then you are the opposite of Shion-sama. Where she predicts death, you are the one to revive that death if you so choose. It's no wonder that she was cautious of you," Taruho said and Naruto slowly nodded. He looked back and he frowned when he saw Yuna's eyes twitching slightly. He didn't have much time left.
"Anyway it seems that time is of the essence here so I will see no reason that you would lie to me Shikyō-sama so let me hurry. Shion-sama had a prediction that she would die if she stayed with you, but she also knew that as Shinobi you would know if she switched places with anyone and would immediately ask why. So, when Sakura-san was attacked, Shion-sama ran off into the woods far off and from there and met up with me. She said her goodbyes and I did the same. Telling her that I know she would do what was right. So I transformed into Shion-sama with the Kage Kagami Shinten no Hō( Shadow Mirror Body Changing Method). It is a permanent method, but I have no regrets. I saved Shion-sama and now I see that she isn't as alone as she thought. Please Shikyō-sama, save her. Take her home and keep her happy," Taruho said as he dropped has hands on the ground, got on his knees and bowed just enough for his forehead to give the impression that it was touching the ground. Being a spirit, Taruho would have passed through it if he went further.
"Which way did she go?" Naruto asked and Taruho pointed off to the east. "That way. She should be a fair distance away. She will be near a waterfall cavern just off the side," Taruho said and Naruto smiled.
"Then raise your head Taruho. Do not worry about Shion. Take a rest from this life. I will handle things here dattebayo. Also don't you worry, I'll bring her back with me even if I have to drag her back kicking and screaming," Naruto said making Taruho sweatdrop, but the sentiment came all the same. "Arigatou, Shikyō-sama," Taruho said before he quickly began to fade out of existence. Naruto's eyes returned to normal and he stood to his feet. Just in time too.
Sasuke quickly went over to Yuna who slumped forward and her eyes forcibly turned to normal not being able to hold the genjutsu anymore. She slowly planted while Sai blinked. "Thanks Sasuke. You really got us out of that one," Naruto said throwing the Uchiha's sword to him. Sasuke grabbed his blade and nodded while steadying Yuna slightly. Yuna gave Sasuke a look before smiling. She really couldn't help, but lean into her cousin's soft embrace. She'd have to show some appreciation later.
"So what did you figure out?" Sai asked and Naruto grinned. "Well for one. Shion's not dead. Seems that there is a little bit of planning in that head of hers. Unfortunately this is her bodyguard Taruho. If you feel it out then you can tell that their chakra signatures are different, but it would be difficult if you weren't a Uzumaki. It seems that when Sakura was attacked by that guy that Shion ran off and in that time she and Taruho switched places putting him as the sacrifice instead. While I have to disagree with the method, she still managed to avoid death, but it won't be long before the guys who attacked figure this out also. Sasuke, we're splitting off. I want you, Sai and Kakashi-sensei to scout ahead. Yuna will take Sakura back to the compound and switch with Yugao-chan. Something tells me that we're going to want Yuna back at the compound on an off chance that something happens," Naruto said and everyone nodded.
"What are you going to do?" Yuna asked and Naruto, with the help of Kakashi, stood to his feet. "I'm going to find our runaway and give her a piece of my mind," Naruto said and everyone chuckled, but no one could forget the obvious fact.
"But are you okay to do that? Sorry, but as you are now, you're only a bother," Sai said bluntly. Yamato and Sakura still hadn't gotten around to teaching the pale boy about the word, tact. "Well I'm not dead Sai which means I'm still the leader of this mission. I've taken worse and I'll continue to do so. Don't worry about it, now get moving," Naruto proclaimed and everyone nodded. Yuna picked up Sakura and huffed.
"Man are you sure she's been dieting? She's fuckin' heavy," Yuna said before she dashed off with the males of the group being so happy that Sakura wasn't awake to hear that. If she was then they knew that heads were going to roll. "Maa, don't go stressing yourself out Naruto. I doubt that Kushina could handle another loss, especially given how. . .close you two are," Kakashi snickered while Sasuke sighed. Sai tilted his head to the side in confusion. It was ordinary for a mother and her son to be close, especially for people like Naruto who had no parents to begin with. Sai didn't see what the problem was.
Blushing slightly at the thought of his mother, Yura and Yuri, Naruto shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose while Sai, Kakashi and Sasuke flew away, their forms leaving Naruto's view in seconds. The blond groaned, but steadied himself and closed his eyes. "I'll be back for you Taruho-san," Naruto said. He clapped his hands together and gave a slight bow to the body before he dashed off already noting that the sun was going down while he headed his way to his suspected family.
-Nighttime-
By the time, Naruto had felt Shion's signature, the Sun had gone down and the moon was slowly beginning to form in the skies above. It bathed the land in its illuminating presence. Naruto seemed to forget his pain while Kyuubi fed the blond Honshou so that the pain would at least not make Naruto's travel more strenuous than it already was. In that time, Naruto had plenty of opportunities in which to think about the information that he and Taruho went over together. It was actually possible that Shion was an Uzumaki or at least she had some strong Uzumaki blood. Well regardless of weak or strong blood, she was still an Uzumaki. Though, now that Naruto thought about it he had figured that Uzumaki had a connection to the more spiritual side of chakra. It had to be more than just vitality and chakra reserves that allowed for only Uzumaki to contain the Kyuubi. Also there had to be a reason that wherever Uzumaki were always placed near supernatural being. Mito, Kushina and Naruto, himself, were always around the Kyuubi. Shion had a connection to Mōryō given her line of priestess-hood, so it was possible that the Uzumaki had a compound of priestesses, and if they had a compound of priestesses then that meant that they also had a shrine or temple. In shrines was always something worth praying to, or for receiving power from. Naruto didn't think about it at the time, but when he had become the summoner to the Shinigami, he had felt a connection. A connection to some place not so far off. It was definitely beyond Konoha, but Naruto didn't know what was out there, plus he was kind of anxious for Jiraiya's training trip which was why he couldn't delve into it further. Maybe Naruto would find out sometime or something.
Snapping himself out of his revere, Naruto dropped to the ground as he felt Shion's chakra signature just up the large cliff. Naruto shook his head before he passed the trees and bushes. He walked up the slope of the cliff and finally found himself staring as Shion looked up at the moon. Naruto didn't have to turn around to know that she was probably in deep thought. He couldn't even imagine if he was an enemy and she let her guard down this much. Naruto didn't want to think about it.
Actually rather, he couldn't think about it when he felt Shion close her eyes and lean forward. Naruto widened his eyes as her body pushed outward and she fell from the cliffs. You ask Naruto what he thought at that time and he instantly thought about ripping Shion's Uzumaki soul from her body all the while giving her to the Shinigami to spend the rest of her eyes in eternal torment. They say that even suicidal people are just ordinary people on the outside. You'll never know unless you're close to the person themselves, but this was just not something that Naruto could allow. If there was one person he was not going to give the sweet release of death then that person was going to be Shion. "I swear, if this fall doesn't kill you then I will!" Naruto proclaimed mentally before he blurred to the top of the cliff and without any other thought, Naruto dived off and charged for Shion.
He could feel the wind brushing through his face before reaching out his hand. He saw Shion going head first into the waters below before he snarled. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," Naruto thought and by his side came a clone of himself, though the use of Honshou had stung a little. The clone grabbed Naruto's arm and flung him through the air faster while the real Naruto held out his hands. His efforts were rewarded as Naruto grabbed the priestess. At the feeling of hands wrapping around her, Shion opened her eyes fast and noticed Naruto glaring at her. "When we land, I am going to smack you over the head for this!" Naruto growled out and Shion's surprise soon faded while Naruto backflipped through the air. Both crashed into the ground and stumbled. Naruto held Shion's body closely as the two barreled over the ground before crashing down.
The dust picked up fast, but dispelled just as easily as groans could be heard. Naruto winced before opening his eyes. He beheld Shion on top of him while slightly rubbing her head. The two stayed like that until Shion finally got her bearings and opened her eyes. She instantly stared into her unknown cousin's eyes and blinked. She then looked down and noticed the messy state of her attire, not even counting the fact that she was easily on top of him in every guy's dream. Shion's face lit up before she pushed herself off Naruto's body and crawled away from him. "W-What do you think you're doing? You beast!" Shion shouted while Naruto sweatdropped. "Beast? You're the one who tried to kill herself while landing on top of me!" Naruto thought to himself before sighing. He got to his feet and wiped off the dust from his clothes.
"You're welcome," Naruto replied and Shion blinked. Did he do something that was appropriate to make her thank him? She didn't think so. "For what?" she asked and Naruto snorted.
"For saving you. Just so I could do this," Naruto said as he began to advance towards her. Shion widened her eyes before she slowly began to back away, or crawl away until she felt her back hit a tree. "Y-You wouldn't dare," she replied weakly. She watched as Naruto towards over her before raising his hand. Shion tightly closed her eyes and shivered. This would be her life. Fated to die in the woods in the middle of nowhere, brutally raped by a Konoha shinobi.
"You. . .idiot!" Naruto said as he smacked Shion over the head. If Shion was waiting for something then that wasn't it. The pain landed on Shion's head before she placed her hands in a vain attempt to soothe her pain. She looked up to see Naruto frowning. "W-What?" was the only intelligible response that the priestess could give.
"You heard me. Never took you for that type. Look, I'm not going to tell you how to live your life, but when I'm in charge of a mission no one is going to kill themselves, least of all you!" Naruto exclaimed and Shion widened her eyes before frowning. "You aren't doing anyone a favor. Why don't you just leave me alone? Besides, I'm going to die someday and you're going to die in a few days anyway. Why are we even trying?" Shion asked and Naruto raised an eyebrow. He chose not to respond and looked down Shion's legs. Her long, creamy, slender Uzumaki-blood filled legs.
Shion watched Naruto turn away and pinch the bridge of his nose in irritation. "You're bleeding," Naruto said. Shion looked down and noticed the small gash on her leg. Shion sighed and shuffled her legs together. However she didn't get the chance to try and stand before she was lifted off the ground by strong arms. "What are you doing? Let me down!" Shion ordered before wrapping her arms around Naruto's neck for balance.
"Calm down. Sheesh, you act like this is the first time you've even touched a guy before dattebayo," Naruto said and Shion widened her eyes slightly. "Dattebayo? Strange, Kaa-sama had nearly the same phrase. Could he have met my mother before?" Shion wondered to herself before shaking her head. She just stayed silent and shuffled closely to Naruto since the night air was kind of cold. Naruto looked down and noticed Shion gazing downward.
"Why did you save me?" Shion asked and Naruto smiled. "Because Taruho wouldn't have wanted you to die just moments have he died himself. I swore to him that I would look after you from now on," Naruto said and Shion shivered when she thought of Taruho.
"You wouldn't want his death to be in vain would you? So stop acting like you're the only one with problems. Everyone has their problems, but those problems work themselves out eventually," Naruto said and Shion snorted silently. "How can you be so happy knowing that you will die soon?" Shion asked and she noticed that they came out of the trees. She felt Naruto lean her down near a tree and walk over to the water. He didn't respond to her just yet before he unfurled his scarf, wrapped it and placed it on the ground. The female light-haired blond priestess watched as her shinobi escort fell to his knees.
"Well as I said, when there is life, there is also death. However death isn't all someone has to look forward too. If you know that you will die one day then there are only two things that you can do," Naruto said and Shion frowned, but listened intently. "One is your way. You can feel scared, mope and be afraid until you eventually meet your demise that you've been so scared of," Naruto said first and Shion would have been angry at him for that comment, but she found that she couldn't retort to him, mostly because what he had said was true.
"And on the other hand, I can be happy with the times that I have bettering them for my family," Naruto said before he scooped up some water. He watched it over his head before scratching through it trying to get rid of the dirt and sweat that had surely seeped into it. Naruto's hair slowly began to unravel and drop, losing its spikiness. Brushing his head back and forth, Shion was greeted to a very rare sight of Naruto's hair flowing in the wetness of the water. She couldn't help, but slightly widen her eyes and swallow the lump in her throat, the nape of her neck feeling slightly warm as she did so. "However," Naruto suddenly spoke. Shion snapped out of her unknown staring and suddenly found the dirt and grass of the ground very interesting for a second.
"I will find all of my family and even if it means that I will die then I will come back and help them because their happiness is my life," Naruto said turning around. He saw Shion's flustered face before he gave a gentle smile having forgotten slightly. "I never go back on my word. That's my nindo, my shinobi way. I vowed to find all of my family," Naruto said continuing on his path to Shion before he stopped right in front of her. He knelt and small as he patted her shoulder.
"That even includes you, Shion Uzumaki," Naruto said smiling brightly and those words rang in Shion's ears. She quickly looked back and Naruto's the blonde's beaming smile. "Uzumaki? What are you talking about? I'm not an Uzumaki and I am not your family," Shion said and Naruto's smile just widened.
"Really? Taruho-san told me that you had a very interesting hobby of writing seals on the ground of the compound," Naruto said and Shion widened her eyes. "S-So what? Lots of people have expressed their interest in the sealing arts. Why do you think that I'm the only one that is capable of sealing the demon, Mōryō?" Shion asked and Naruto quickly took out a piece of paper. For a few minutes he started to write and draw on it before placing it in front of Shion.
"What type of seal is this?" Naruto asked and Shion stared at the seal a little irritated, however that irritation quickly turned to slight fascination and then into a small sign of obsession. In her eyes, she could see the seal unraveling piece by piece, the sounds of someone coming into her ears in a soft quiet tone. Shion clenched her yellow jacket and finally sighed. "It's just a simple tetragam seal combined with a reverse chakra restriction seal this making it a full chakra resistor seal," Shion said like it wasn't a big deal. Kyuubi raised an eyebrow while Naruto narrowed his eyes at those words. Shion seemed a little uncomfortable under his gaze while Naruto smirked.
"Shion, this type of seal, to even professionally trained eyes, would easily be mistaken for Hakke Trigram Seal. No one can tell that difference so easily," Naruto said and Shion widened her eyes before turning away. "M-Maybe I was just lucky," Shion said though neither she nor Naruto truly believed it.
"Shion, did you run all the way out here?" Naruto asked and Shion blinked. "Yes obviously. I was trying not to die by those ingrates," Shion said making Naruto offer a deadpan expression.
"Though you threw yourself off a cliff?" Naruto asked and Shion's eyebrow twitched, but she couldn't say anything and just settled for being silent. "What are you getting at?" Shion asked and Naruto looked out into the trees.
"That even though you've never trained to be a shinobi or done much physical activity that you managed to get all the way out here. Are you even tired?" Naruto asked and Shion shook her head. "Not really," she claimed prompting Naruto to give a nod.
"Uzumaki are well known for their vitality and also their stamina. We have more chakra than the average shinobi or even the average elite shinobi. It's no coincidence that you got this far by yourself," Naruto said without turning around. "So I ran a little bit, that still doesn't prove anything," Shion sounded once again. Naruto then sighed and Shion watched as he furled up his sleeves revealing his toned arms. Naruto raised his shoulder and Shion widened her eyes.
"You know what this is, don't you?" Naruto asked and Shion stared at the swirl symbol, the same one that was on the nape of her neck, right on Naruto's upper shoulder. Naruto, judging from Shion's reaction, gave a light grin. "This is the symbol of the Uzumaki. It claims that no matter how small the blood we have, deep down we are still Uzumaki," Naruto proclaimed proudly and he noticed Shion rub her neck. She couldn't deny that and Naruto knew that she couldn't. There was no way that Naruto could have known about her mark if she didn't show him which meant that either he was telling the truth and a part of her heritage was kept from her or they were both just that unlucky. Shion found it to be a surprise that she was slightly hoping for the former.
Silence reigned between the two for a little while as the sounds of crickets and other insects resounded throughout the forest. "So what now? You just want me to start calling you 'Onii-chan or something like that? You want me to marry you in some pathetic village engagement? What do you want from me? Money? Take as much as you want, I don't care. Power? You seem strong enough. My innocence? Get in line, too many people have proposed the same thing. What do you want from me?!" Shion suddenly asked and Naruto frowned.
"I promised Taruho that once this mission was done that I would take you home. Back to your true home, Shion-chan and I never go back on my word. I want nothing from you. Hm well I can't say that. What I want is your trust in me," Naruto said and Shion gasped.
"Trust? Why would I trust you? I don't even know you. Just say you're scared of dying and that you want to kill me yourself. Just go ahead and do it, I have nothing to live for anymore. I just sacrificed one of my most personal bodyguards just so I could live, that makes me awfully selfish right? How can I smile when all the people who helped me live, have died? What would they say when they see me smile enjoying my life? Who is it that I'm supposed to tru…," Shion stopped when soft, but strong arms wrapped around her frame. She slightly gasped when Naruto pulled her closer to her body.
She didn't see Naruto's eyes in a silver color. Naruto looked up and all the deceased who had given their lives for Shion all had their hands on her shoulder while smiling brightly. Naruto chuckled and nodded. "They would be happy, Shion. They would feel that they accomplished what they wanted. They wanted to see you happy. You don't have to shut yourself away from the world to remember the things they endured for you. The fact that you're alive is proof of that. No one is telling you to change who you are, but that you live your life as you want to, not by someone else's rule. You are Shion Uzumaki, descendant of the priestesses of the Uzumaki clan and we give our lives for our family. We won't leave you Shion-chan. I promise that you will never have to be alone again. Every day you will be surrounded by a family that loves you, cares for you, wants what's best for you, and will look out for you. Don't hide your feelings. Believe me, I know. The mask that we put in front of everyone to hide our pain will eventually become who we are letting our real selves fade out. We aren't alive to be sad. We are alive to be happy. I dare them to think bad of you for showing emotion. Trust me, they will regret it," Naruto proclaimed all the while glaring at the deceased who had given their lives so that Shion could live. They all gulped silently, but no one had thought that in the slightest.
Naruto didn't hear any sobs coming from Shion, but he did feel Shion hands dig into his torso a little tighter. She shivered in his embrace while the tears ran down her cheeks. She trembled while Naruto just continued to hold her in the night.
Neither knew how long they had stayed like that, but Naruto felt Shion shuffle and slowly began to remove himself from the hug, but as he pulled back he was surprised when Shion's vice-like grip didn't let him go. "You. . .aren't lying to me are you? Are you really my family? Will you never leave me alone again?" Shion asked, her voice barely a whisper, making a frown appear on Naruto's face. "We will never leave you alone Shion-chan. Once this mission is over, you will be coming home with us. You will meet the rest of your family and the love or acceptance that you want, if you want. Do you want me to take you home?" Naruto asked and Shion sighed.
"Hai, take me home, Onii-sama," Shion said and Naruto widened his eyes before letting them settle. "You got it Shion-chan," Naruto replied and Shion nodded fast. She then let go of the hug and both blondes stared into each other's eyes. Naruto could see Shion's were a little puffy, but nothing more.
"Now then, let's deal with that bruise," Naruto said quickly making a second trip to the pond and with a scoop of water splashed it over Shion's leg. The female light-haired blond winced, but just waited for Naruto to do his thing. Naruto then tore a piece of his torso, he'd get Karin to sew it back later or have it remade at their standard tailor, and wrapped it around Shion's leg. "There, that should hold for now," Naruto said with a smile. Shion slowly nodded while Naruto got to one knee with his back turned.
"What are you doing?" Shion asked and Naruto smiled. "Your leg isn't well enough for you to walk so I'll take Sakura's place this time," Naruto said and Shion blinked. She didn't say anything and just crawled to her cousin's back. She got herself comfortable and Naruto hoisted her into the air.
"I lied," Shion said and Naruto turned back to her in confusion. "Huh?" was the blond's intelligible response. Shion couldn't stop the smile on her face, but she tried to sound serious.
"I lied about your death in three days. The entire prediction was made up, Onii-sama. Your presence scared me. I saw visions of you endlessly, well not you, but of a person who could never die and when you appeared I got that feeling. I was afraid of your ability to never die that I just had to challenge it, so I made the prediction that you would die to scare you, but it didn't work as I had previously hoped. I'm sorry that I did that. Your power just…amazed me," Shion said and Naruto chuckled.
"Hey that's no problem. I knew you lied if only because you were shivering when you said that too me. I'm a pretty good judge of character if I do say so myself. Though, are you suicidal?" Naruto asked and Shion blinked before her face turned red while she held her head down.
"N-No. I never was dattebakyō," Shion said red in the face before Naruto stopped. "Dattebakyō? Hehe so even you can get excited huh?" Naruto asked and Shion suddenly gasped before huffing.
"I'm embarrassed alright? No one, not even Taruho, has heard me say that before," Shion said and Naruto nodded slowly. "Yeah sure Shion-chan. Well let's get this out of the way. We'll continue in the morning," Naruto said hopping to the trees. He set Shion down on a branch before he leaned back and fell asleep. It wasn't even ten minutes that Shion heard snoring and shook her head.
"Onii-sama, huh? Well it has a nice ring to it I suppose. Though he's still an insufferable jerk," Shion thought before she couldn't resist the smile that came on her face. She slowly advanced to Naruto's position and gently laid her head on his chest. Shion, now quickly changing her name to Shion Uzumaki, felt her cousin's heart beat softly before she closed her eyes and went to sleep in what she figured was the best rest that she had in a long time. The two Uzumaki slept in the trees as the moon shined high in the sky. Neither noticed Shion's necklace gleaming brightly in a purplish, warm light before it quickly faded and disappeared, leaving them none the wiser.
-Unknown Location-
It could be said that none of the Gang of Four had ever seen their leader so happy. He was actually cackling with that same sickening grin that they all had grown accustomed to. "Yomi-sama, now that the priestess is dead, what would you have us do?" came the voice of Kusuna while he tended to his limbless right shoulder. It seemed that Yomi had seen them fight and for them failing to deal with the priestess themselves, as he had to step in, then Yomi issued punishment. Kusuna had lost his arm to Yuna's Jinton and there was nothing he could do about it except scream in pain for hours until the painkillers set in allowing for Kusuna to work himself over.
"Hmph, we should go find that Konoha shinobi and finish what we started. You saw how they ran from us like cowards?" Gitai asked getting a chuckle from Shizuku. "No kidding. I expected more from such big names. Damn I really wanted to face their leader though, the Red Death. I'd make sure that she stayed dead too," Shizuku said before everyone widened their eyes to see her backhanded across her face as she crashed into the ground. She grabbed her cheek when she noticed Yomi looking down at her.
"Fools, do you not know what you are being belittled?!" Yomi asked and everyone widened their eyes. "W-What?" Shizuku asked while Yomi snarled. His fists shook, no trembled, as his nails dug into his skin.
"The priestess is not our objective anymore. Now we are to capture Uzumaki Naruto for our plans. What dwells within his body is a power that Mōryō wants and he will not be denied. However we will rest with this victory today. Go to sleep," Yomi said before he began to walk away. The others glanced to each other, but no one said anything as they decided not to question the orders of their leader.
Meanwhile, Yomi groaned as he gripped his head painfully. He slammed his body into the wall before he dropped down to his knees. "W-What do you mean? I wrung her neck dry myself! There is no way she could still be. . ." Yomi growled as more pain pressured his head making him snarl at the pain.
"Insolent mortal, do not question me on the things that I know. You did no kill the priestess otherwise I would have felt it myself. Shion is still alive and I feel that she is now more stronger than ever for reasons unknown to me. You must bring Uzumaki Naruto to me to be devoured and you must kill the priestess again. You are such a useless fool that it sickens me that you are the one carrying out my will," came a dark demonic voice while Yomi gasped when the pressure lifted.
"It will be done Mōryō-sama, I promise. Just give me a little more time," Yomi spoke and Mōryō frowned before snorting. "Hmph, whatever. If you really want to get in my good graces then you will follow what I say to the letter, no more no less, understood?" the self-proclaimed great demon shouted out and Yomi nodded.
"Good then let us begin preparations. After all, the best time to unseal and devour is nighttime. Tomorrow, my power will be at its peak and the seal on this accursed stone will weaken. All I will need is a catalyst. Uzumaki Naruto will be my catalyst and with the power that flows through him, I will burn this world in a sea of flames and bring about a new era of torment and hatred to the pitiful mortals in my eyes. Now get out of my sight. You sicken me," he said and Yomi nodded before he quickly walked off while the distant sounds of Mōryō's cackling could be heard in the reaches of Yomi's mind.
KG: As I said before, I have no excuses for my lateness and I deeply apologize to everyone for making you wait. I don't like to make people wait for anything since I know what that's like. Now Naruto isn't weak or underpowered for convenience. No this has to do with Naruto and Mōryō reacting to each other as potential Shinjuu and Summoner which is why Mōryō would rather take Naruto's body and why Naruto doesn't have Honshou, but I will explain that later. Well see ya.
KG: Hmm? Oh yeah right, how silly of me to forget. Stay Breezy, Protect what's important to you, review and SEND ME CREAM SODA! Also, ahem, RESPECT THE FUCKIN' CREAM!