Chapter 44: Kamui
As Team Konoha and Team Iwa gathered near the mist-covered entrance to Kirigakure, their discussions were abruptly cut off by a chilling, resonant laughter that echoed through the dense fog. Emerging from the shadows was Drum, his presence imposing and sinister. His eyes glinted with malice as he introduced himself with a smirk.
"I am Drum, the strongest son of Piccolo Daimao," he declared, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I've come to welcome you... to your demise."
The shinobi tensed, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons. The air grew thick with anticipation and hostility. Kakashi and Onoki exchanged a quick glance before stepping forward to address the teams.
"We're teaming up to take him down," Kakashi announced, his Sharingan eye focused intently on Drum. "This isn't a time for rivalries."
Onoki nodded in agreement. "Agreed, our priority is eliminating the threat before us."
Goku, standing with his arms crossed, looked at Kakashi and Onoki. "You guys think you can handle this without me?"
Gai, ever enthusiastic, placed a reassuring hand on Goku's shoulder. "Don't worry, Goku. We've trained for moments like this. We should be fine."
Lee, with his characteristic zeal, gave a thumbs-up and a dazzling smile. "Go on ahead, Goku. We'll catch up with you after we've dealt with this guy."
With a nod, Goku and Hinata turned to venture further into the village, leaving the combined might of Konoha and Iwa to face Drum. As they moved deeper into the heart of Kirigakure, the atmosphere grew more oppressive. The once bustling streets over a year ago were now eerily silent, buildings standing like ghostly sentinels in the mist. Fear and terror permeated the air, and the occasional flicker of movement in the shadows hinted at the presence of unseen eyes watching them.
Goku's brows furrowed in concentration as he tried to sense any significant energy signatures beyond Drum and the teams fighting him. His frustration grew as he detected nothing of note. The unsettling feeling reminded him of the time Kabuto showed up and killed Kiba.
Hold up, not this again...
"Could it be...?" Goku murmured, his thoughts racing. "Piccolo Daimao might have...?"
Hinata, walking beside him, glanced over with a knowing look. "You think he's turned himself into an android too?"
Goku's expression darkened. "It's possible. If he did, it would explain why I can't sense anything. Artificial energy can mask a lot."
As they pondered this possibility, the Dragon Radar in Goku's hand beeped loudly. The blinking dot indicated the location of the seven-star ball near the center of the village. Goku and Hinata exchanged a look, understanding the implications instantly.
"It's a trap," Goku said, his voice steady despite the gravity of their situation. "The most obvious one in the world."
Hinata's eyes narrowed, determination replacing any hesitation. "Then let's take the bait. Hook, line, and sinker."
With their course set, they continued through the abandoned streets, their senses on high alert. The weight of their mission bore down on them, but they moved with purpose, knowing that the fate of their world depended on their success.
Meanwhile, back at the confrontation with Drum, the combined forces of Team Konoha and Team Iwa prepared for battle. Kakashi and Onoki coordinated their teams, issuing commands and forming strategies.
Drum, sensing the intensity of their preparation, chuckled darkly. "Do you really think you can defeat me with your pitiful teamwork? I will crush you all."
Kakashi's Sharingan flared with determination. "We'll see about that."
With a signal from Kakashi, the battle began. The ground trembled as the powerful shinobi unleashed their attacks. Explosions of chakra and jutsu illuminated the fog, and the air crackled with energy. Despite the animosity between the villages, they fought with a singular focus, their movements surprisingly decently coordinated and precise.
Back in the heart of Kirigakure, Goku and Hinata pressed forward, the radar guiding them closer to their destination. As they approached the center, the oppressive atmosphere grew thicker, and the sense of impending danger loomed over them.
"We're almost there," Goku said, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
Hinata nodded, her Byakugan activated to detect any hidden threats. "Stay sharp, Goku. We don't know what we're walking into."
Goku grinned, his carefree nature shining through despite the circumstances. "Don't worry. We've got this."
And so, they ventured deeper into the unknown, prepared to face the dangers that awaited them. Together, they would confront the evil threatening their world, determined to emerge victorious against all odds.
As they proceeded, the Saiyan's carefree demeanor was tempered by the seriousness of their mission, and Hinata's eyes scanned their surroundings with unyielding vigilance.
The palace entrance was adorned with grotesque decorations—pelts of various beasts and skulls mounted on the walls, each one a grim reminder of Piccolo Daimao's reign of terror. They passed by items that once belonged to some of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and even the Mizukage Yagura, their remnants now twisted trophies of the Demon King's conquests.
"These decorations are pretty creepy," Goku muttered, his voice echoing in the empty hallway.
Hinata nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Guess he wants to remind people of his power and the fear he instills. What an egomaniac."
They moved through the dimly lit tunnels, the flickering torches casting ominous shadows on the stone walls. Finally, they reached a large set of doors. Goku pushed them open, and they entered a vast chamber illuminated by a sinister red glow. The air was thick with an aura of malevolence. At the far end of the room, sitting on a large porcelain throne, was Piccolo Daimao. His massive frame was draped in a dark cloak, and his eyes glinted with malice as he casually tossed a Dragon Ball up and down in his hand, a menacing smirk revealing his sharp canines.
Flanking him were two metallic androids, their cold, mechanical eyes fixed on the intruders. Goku and Hinata stepped forward, their expressions hardening as they took in the scene.
Drum towered over the battlefield, his malevolent grin widening as he eyed Han, Roshi, and Akatsuchi. The three shinobi stood their ground, determination etched on their faces despite the overwhelming odds.
"You're going to regret crossing Piccolo Daimao," Roshi snarled, his hands glowing with the chakra of the Four-Tails. Han, beside him, echoed the sentiment, his own aura flaring with the power of the Five-Tails.
Drum laughed, a chilling sound that reverberated through the mist-laden air. "Regret? You'll be dead before you even have the chance."
With a roar, Roshi charged, his body enveloped in the molten chakra of the Four-Tails. The ground sizzled beneath his feet as he closed the distance, his fist aimed squarely at Drum's head. Drum caught Roshi's punch effortlessly, his grin widening as he tightened his grip. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled Roshi across the battlefield, the jinchuriki crashing into a distant building.
Han followed suit, his body transforming as he tapped into the power of the Five-Tails. His movements were a blur as he attacked Drum from the opposite side, his fists like thunderbolts. Drum sidestepped Han's strikes with ease, his counterattack a brutal kick that sent Han skidding across the ground.
"You call this a fight?" Drum taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "There's children with more bite. Literally."
Akatsuchi, his face set in grim determination, launched a barrage of doton-based jutsu, hoping to catch Drum off guard. The ground beneath Drum erupted in a series of explosions, but the android emerged unscathed, his laughter echoing ominously.
"I'll show you true power," Drum declared, his body radiating a dark, ominous energy. He lunged at Akatsuchi, his fist connecting with the shinobi's chest in a devastating blow. Akatsuchi's eyes widened in shock as he crumpled to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth.
Han and Roshi, recovering from Drum's initial assault, exchanged a desperate glance. They nodded in silent agreement, their bodies morphing as they fully unleashed their bijuu. The battlefield shook as the Four-Tails and the Five-Tails emerged, their roars shaking the heavens.
"This ends now!" Roshi, in his Four-Tails form, bellowed, his massive form charging at Drum with earth-shaking power. Roshi, in his Five-Tails form, mirrored the attack, their combined might a force of nature.
Drum met their charge head-on, his fists a blur as he deflected their blows with terrifying ease. His laughter, cold and mocking, filled the air as he caught the Four-Tails' massive fist and twisted, the sickening crunch of bones echoing through the battlefield.
Han, seeing his comrade falter, redoubled his efforts, his attacks a flurry of destruction. But Drum was relentless. With a savage uppercut, he shattered Han's defenses, the Five-Tails reeling from the impact. Drum's next attack was a vicious kick that sent Han sprawling, the ground quaking from the force.
Roshi, refusing to give up, unleashed a torrent of lava, hoping to incinerate Drum. But Drum was faster. He darted through the molten stream, his hand piercing through the Four-Tails' chest with a sickening squelch. Roshi's roar of pain echoed through the battlefield as Drum tore out his heart, the jinchuriki's body crumpling to the ground.
Han, barely standing, launched a desperate attack, his body a whirlwind of chakra and fury. But Drum was unstoppable. He caught Han's arm mid-strike and, with a brutal twist, snapped it like a twig. The Five-Tails roared in agony, but Drum silenced it with a devastating punch that shattered its skull.
As the Bijuu began to emerge from their fallen jinchuriki, Drum's eyes gleamed with sadistic delight. The Four-Tails and Five-Tails, in their full, monstrous forms, lunged at him, their roars a symphony of rage and pain. But Drum was ready. He met their charge with a flurry of blows, his fists a blur of destruction.
With a final, earth-shattering punch, Drum drove his fist through the Four-Tails' skull, the Bijuu's body dissolving into a mist of chakra. The Five-Tails met a similar fate, its form disintegrating under Drum's relentless assault.
The battlefield fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the survivors. Drum stood amidst the carnage, his body unmarred by the ferocity of the battle. He turned his gaze to the remaining shinobi, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
"Is this all you have?" he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "You don't stand a chance."
As the reality of their loss set in, the remaining members of Team Konoha and Team Iwa steeled themselves for the next confrontation. They knew they had to work together, their only hope of surviving the onslaught of Piccolo Daimao's minions. They had to unify, or they would surely fall.
With heavy hearts, the survivors prepared to move forward, their minds focused on the battle yet to come. They would honor the fallen by fighting with everything they had, knowing that the fate of their world hung in the balance.
"This place gives me the creeps," Goku said, his voice low. "But we need that Dragon Ball."
Hinata's eyes blazed. "We can't let him continue this reign of terror. We have to stop him."
Piccolo Daimao remained silent, his gaze unwavering as he observed the two warriors before him. The air crackled with anticipation.
The duo advanced cautiously, their senses on high alert. Hinata's Byakugan activated, scanning for any hidden threats.
The Demon King's smirk widened, his eyes glowing with a sinister light. The Dragon Ball gleamed in his hand, a symbol of power and destruction. The room seemed to vibrate with his malevolent energy, and the air grew thicker.
"Stay on your guard," Hinata whispered, her eyes never leaving their enemy. "We can't underestimate him."
Goku clenched his fists, his aura beginning seep out with power. "I won't. Let's do this."
As they prepared to confront the Demon King, the ominous silence was broken only by the steady rhythm of Piccolo Daimao tossing the Dragon Ball, each catch a reminder of the impending battle.
With a final glance at each other, Goku and Hinata steeled themselves for the fight of their lives. The room seemed to close in around them, the shadows growing darker and more foreboding.
But they were ready. They had to be.
The battlefield was a storm of chaos and destruction. Drum's laughter echoed as he towered over the bodies of the fallen Han and Roshi, their forms crumpled and lifeless on the ground. Akatsuchi was next, his fierce defense crumbling under Drum's relentless assault.
Kakashi, his Sharingan blazing, stood beside Lee and Gai, their bodies glowing with the intense aura of the Seventh Gate.
The two Green Beasts of Konoha charged forward, their fists like meteors as they collided with Drum. "Asakujaku!" Gai shouted, unleashing a flurry of flaming punches that illuminated the battlefield. Lee mirrored his sensei, his own fists igniting with the intensity of his attack. "Asakujaku!"
Drum met their combined assault head-on, his monstrous strength absorbing the blows that would have pulverized lesser foes. He swatted at Gai and Lee, each blow sending shockwaves through their bodies, but they held their ground, their spirits unyielding.
Kakashi knew they needed an opening. He scanned the battlefield, his strategic mind calculating every possible move. "Tenten, Sasuke, Onoki, Tien, Kurotsuchi! Provide cover fire!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the din of battle.
Tenten, clad in her advanced Mark 1 armor, launched a barrage of kunai and shuriken, each one enhanced by her precision weapon jutsu. "Sōshōryū!" she cried, her weapons forming a deadly storm that whirled around Drum.
Sasuke, his Mangekyo Sharingan glowing with intensity, unleashed his own attack. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" A massive fireball roared towards Drum, its heat searing the air.
Tien, having sat back with Chiaotzu and Master Shen in order to not step on anyone's toes, pointed both of his index fingers with sparkling yellow ki coating them at Drum's floating form. "Dodon-pa!"
Onoki and Kurotsuchi joined the fray, the formers Particle Style jutsu slicing through the air. "Jinton: Genkai Hakuri no Jutsu!" The Kage's voice boomed as the powerful technique hurtled towards Drum, its destructive energy aimed to disintegrate.
The combined attacks created a maelstrom around Drum, each one adding to the pressure. Drum's laughter faltered, his movements becoming more frantic as he tried to fend off the relentless assault.
Kakashi saw his chance. His Mangekyo Sharingan focused, the distorted space of Kamui beginning to form around Drum's head. He waited, his heart pounding in his chest, timing the perfect moment.
Lee and Gai, their bodies pushed to the limit, continued their onslaught. "Hirudora!" Gai roared, his attack exploding against Drum with the force of a tidal wave. Lee, not to be outdone, unleashed his own attack. "Hirudora!" Their combined strength finally drove Drum to his knees, his monstrous form buckling under their power.
"Kakashi-sensei, now!" Lee shouted, his voice strained from the exertion.
Kakashi didn't hesitate. "Kamui!" he intoned, the space around Drum's head warping and twisting. In an instant, Drum's head and upper neck were teleported away, severed cleanly from his body.
The battlefield fell silent, the echo of Drum's laughter replaced by the sound of his decapitated body collapsing to the ground. For a moment, the teams stood in shock, unable to believe they had finally brought him down.
"Don't let your guard down!" Lee warned, his eyes scanning the area. "Snare was able to regenerate. Drum might do the same!"
Onoki didn't need to be told twice. "Jinton: Genkai Hakuri no Jutsu!" he bellowed, unleashing his Particle Style jutsu once more. The powerful attack struck Drum's headless body, disintegrating it completely and ensuring there was no chance of regeneration.
The teams breathed a collective sigh of relief, their bodies sagging with exhaustion. But the victory was bittersweet. Han, Roshi, and Akatsuchi were gone, their lives sacrificed in the brutal battle.
"We need to move as one unit from now on," Onoki said, his voice heavy with grief. "We cannot afford any more losses. We must stay unified if we are to win the day."
Kakashi nodded, his expression grim. "We'll honor their sacrifices by ensuring we don't make the same mistakes. Let's go."
As they advanced, the thought of the final showdown loomed in their minds. Drum was only the first of Piccolo Daimao's minions. They had to stay vigilant, to stay strong. The fate of their world depended on it.
The throne room's eerie silence was broken by the deep, mocking laughter of Piccolo Daimao. Goku and Hinata stood at the entrance, their eyes locked onto the massive figure lounging on the porcelain throne. The Demon King's smirk widened as he tossed an orb that "appeared" to be a Dragon Ball up and down, his gaze flicking dismissively to Hinata before settling on Goku.
"So, this is the legendary Son Goku?" Piccolo Daimao's voice was a low rumble, filled with disdain. "A child, accompanied by another child. How quaint."
Goku's carefree demeanor returned. He stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Piccolo's. "Y'know, resorting to turning yourself into an android just to match up with a child like me? That says a whole lot," the Saiyan taunted, his tone laced with glee. "I've seen this trick before. And y'know what? You're going down. Hard."
Piccolo's eyes narrowed, and the smirk vanished from his face. "Bold words from a fool who has no idea what he's up against."
Without warning, the villain's eyes flashed red, and two laser beams shot towards Hinata. The attack was sudden and deadly, aimed to eliminate her from the equation before focusing on Goku. But Goku was faster. He intercepted the beams with his palm, deflecting them away effortlessly.
Hinata's eyes widened in shock. She had seen the attack, but her body wasn't fast enough to react. If it weren't for Goku, she would have been severely injured, if not worse. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks: despite her rigorous training and dedication, she was still leagues below Goku and Piccolo Daimao.
The humbling truth was bone-chilling.
"Stay back Hinata," Goku said, his voice firm but kind. "This fight is on a different level."
Hinata nodded, stepping back while keeping her eyes on Goku. Her heart ached with a mix of admiration and frustration. She wanted to help, to be strong enough to stand beside him, but she had to accept her limits for now.
Piccolo Daimao rose from his throne, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. "So, the boy has some skills," he said, cracking his knuckles. "But it won't be enough."
"Skills?" Goku scoffed, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Let's see if you can handle em."
The atmosphere was laden with potential energy as the two titans faced off. Goku's carefree nature was gone once again, replaced by a focus sharper than a blade. Piccolo Daimao, on the other hand, exuded an aura of malice and overwhelming power.
"Do you really think you can defeat me, Goku?" Piccolo taunted, his voice echoing through the hall. "I've conquered entire villages, even the world itself, and in doing so destroyed countless lives. What can you, a mere boy, hope to achieve?"
Goku's eyes narrowed. "I can achieve a lot more than you think. And I'm not just a boy. I'm Son Goku."
With that, the battle commenced, and the Dragon Ball Piccolo Daimao held in hand dissolved into dust, revealing itself to be nothing more than a concoction meant as a distraction in order to bait his adversary into unveiling the other six. Unfortunately, they had brains in their noggins and knew better than to fall for a diversionary tactic such as that one. Goku launched himself at Piccolo with a burst of speed, his fists striking with incredible force. Piccolo countered with swift, powerful blows, each impact sending shockwaves through the room. The walls trembled under the force of their clash, torches flickering wildly.
Hinata watched in awe, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never seen Goku fight with such intensity. His movements were a blur, his power immense. And yet, Piccolo Daimao matched him blow for blow, the Demon King's strength seemingly endless.
As the battle raged on, Piccolo began to taunt Goku. "Is this all you've got? I expected more from the legendary Son Goku."
Goku gritted his teeth. "You haven't seen anything yet."
Their clash intensified, the air thick with the energy of their attacks. Goku's ki flared brightly, illuminating the room with a fierce sky blue light. Piccolo responded with his own dark energy, the two forces colliding in a spectacular display.
Despite his confidence, Goku knew this battle was going to be tough. Piccolo Daimao was powerful, more so than any opponent he had faced before...
But he couldn't afford to lose. Not with so much at stake.
As the battle continued, Hinata's mind raced. She had to find a way to help, to make a difference. She couldn't just stand by and watch. But how? Her eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail, searching for anything that could give them an advantage.
Away from her musing, Goku and Piccolo Daimao stood at opposite ends, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down.
The boy's gaze hardened. "It's funny. For someone who claims to be so powerful, you sure rely on a lot of gadgets and enhancements. Can't match me on your own merit?"
Piccolo Daimao's eyes flickered with anger. "You insolent brat," he growled, his eyes glowing once more. "You think you can mock me and live to tell the tale?"
Before anything else could happen, Goku reached into his pocket and retrieved the singular storage capsule containing the Dragon Balls and the dragon radar. The boy tossed them to Hinata who stood on his side of the palace room with a confident grin.
"Take these," he said. "Find the seventh Dragon Ball and make the wish. Bring everyone back."
Hinata stared at him, a mixture of fear and determination in her eyes. "But Goku, what about—"
"I'll be fine," Goku interrupted, his grin never wavering. "Just be safe, I'll catch up with you soon."
Hinata took a deep breath, her resolve solidifying. "I will," she promised, clutching the capsule tightly.
She turned and dashed out of the room, her steps quick and silent.
As she left, Goku created a massive ki blast and hurled it at the floor, creating a smokescreen. The room filled with dense smoke, giving Hinata the cover she needed to escape unnoticed.
When the smoke cleared, Piccolo Daimao was standing, his eyes fixed on Goku. "Impressive," he admitted. "But do you really think you can defeat me alone?"
Goku shrugged, his carefree demeanor masking the seriousness of the situation. "I've faced worse."
Piccolo Daimao sneered. "Androids 9 and 10, go after the girl. Eliminate her."
Goku's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to stay calm. He remembered Hinata's strength and determination. "She'll be fine," he told himself. "She's Her."
The two androids moved to follow Hinata, but Goku stepped in their path. "Sorry, but your fight is with me."
The androids hesitated, looking to Piccolo Daimao for confirmation. The Demon King nodded, and the androids stepped back, allowing their master to confront Goku directly.
Piccolo Daimao stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over the smaller Saiyan. "You have no idea what you're up against," he said, his voice low and menacing.
Goku looked up at him, unflinching. "Maybe," he admitted. "But I've got an idea."
The two warriors stood face to face, the friction between them heating up. Goku's short frame contrasted sharply with Piccolo Daimao's gigantic one, yet it was clear that the real fight was between their spirits.
"I'll give you one chance to walk away," Piccolo Daimao offered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Leave now, and I might let you live."
Goku laughed, a carefree sound that echoed through the hall. "You don't get it, do you? I'm not here to run away. I'm here to finish this. To kick your ass."
Piccolo Daimao's eyes narrowed. "So be it," he growled, raising his hand. "Prepare to die."
As the two warriors prepared to clash, the air around them seemed to freeze. This was it—the battle that would determine the fate of the world. And neither of them planned to back down.
Hinata moved through the palace, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of her mission pressed down on her, but she pushed forward, determined to succeed. She clutched the capsule containing the Dragon Balls and the radar, her mind racing with thoughts of her friends, her village, and the promise she made to Goku.
She found a narrow passage leading deeper into the palace, the walls lined with torches casting flickering shadows. She moved silently, her senses on high alert. She knew the androids would be after her, but she trusted in her abilities—and in Goku's faith in her.
"Just a little further," she whispered to herself, her eyes scanning the radar. "I'm almost there."
Hinata moved like a shadow through the eerily silent palace, her Byakugan scanning every inch of her surroundings. The androids were bound to be relentless in their pursuit, but she relied on her formal training, her ninja instincts, and her willpower to stay ahead. Every step she took was calculated, every movement silent as she navigated through ventilations, pipes, chimneys, and other hidden routes within the palace. The sounds of a distant battle reached her ears, indicating that the fight between Goku and Piccolo Daimao was intensifying.
As she made her way deeper into the labyrinthine structure, Hinata's Byakugan detected a small chamber ahead. She focused, seeing a dinosaur-like creature—a spawn of Piccolo Daimao—guarding the seventh Dragon Ball. It looked more docile than the others, but she knew better than to underestimate any of Piccolo's creations. Determined not to take any chances, Hinata dropped in from the ceiling vent with swift precision. Her kunai struck true, killing Piano instantly with a swift but brutal lodging of it into his brain. She then grabbed the Dragon Ball, her heart pounding with the rush of success, and vanished using her ninjutsu before the androids could get a beat on her location.
Hinata quickly stored the Dragon Ball into the storage capsule and sealed it, hiding it in her shinobi pant-leg pockets. She knew she had to move fast. The androids were closing in, and she needed to lead them away from her true mission. She created three Kage Bunshin, each with a specific instruction.
The first clone was to join the fight with the Konoha and Iwa teams, blending in to keep up the illusion of her presence. The second clone's mission was to distract the androids, engaging them in a cat-and-mouse chase through the palace. The third clone was the initial decoy, tasked with appearing to have successfully gotten away, making it the primary target for the androids.
As the real Hinata, she moved stealthily toward an isolated area of the island, far from the ongoing battle and the prying eyes of both allies and enemies. Her heart raced with anticipation and fear. The success of her mission depended on her ability to stay hidden and undetected.
The Konoha and Iwa teams fought fiercely, their combined efforts focused on eliminating Piccolo Daimao's forces. Lee, Gai, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Tenten fought alongside Onoki, Kurotsuchi, Kitsuchi, Tien, Chiaotzu, and Master Shen. Their tactics were relentless, their resolve unyielding. They faced cultists, worshipers, and demonic enforcers, cutting them down with a mix of ninjutsu and taijutsu.
Amidst the chaos, Hinata's first clone fought alongside her comrades, striking with precision and strength.
The second clone engaged the androids, leading them through a series of narrow corridors and hidden passageways. It moved with speed and agility, its sole purpose to keep the androids away from the real Hinata.
The third clone, appearing to be the true Hinata, darted through the shadows, drawing the androids' attention as well. It played the role of the pursued, using every trick in the book to stay just out of reach.
Hinata, the real one, found a secluded spot near the edge of the island. She took a deep breath, calming her racing heart. She knew the wish she was about to make would change everything, but she needed to wait for the right moment to summon Shenron. For now, she had to remain hidden and undetected.
Back in the throne room, Goku and Piccolo Daimao clashed with a force that shook the very foundations of the palace. The two warriors fought with everything they had in their warm-up stages, their blows creating shockwaves that echoed through the halls.
Goku's confidence never wavered, his belief in his friends and his own strength pushing him forward. Piccolo Daimao, for all his malevolent power, found himself matched by Goku's sheer will and determination.
The real battle had only just begun.
Team Humanity, formerly known as Team Konoha and Team Iwa, advanced through the darkened streets of Kirigakure. The village, once shrouded in mist, now bore the oppressive mark of Piccolo Daimao's reign. Demons and humans who worshiped the tyrant alike swarmed the streets, their eyes filled with fanaticism. There was no room for mercy; every enemy was a threat that needed to be killed.
Onoki led the charge, his Particle Style jutsu disintegrating hundreds of enemies into dust. The old Tsuchikage's ruthless efficiency was a testament to his years of experience and his resolve to protect the humanity that lied within the group. Lee and Gai followed closely, their fists and feet moving with unparalleled speed and power, breaking bones and shattering skulls with every strike.
Tien and Chiaotzu, side by side, unleashed their ki techniques. Tien's Kikoho created craters in the ground, obliterating clusters of enemies, while Chiaotzu's telekinesis lifted and crushed those who dared approach. Kurotsuchi's lava jutsu incinerated demons, her flames a deadly dance of destruction.
Tenten, clad in her Iron Girl armor, was a whirlwind of death. Her chakra saber sliced through enemies with ease, and her homing missiles exploded in fiery blasts, reducing groups of Piccolo's worshipers to charred remains. Sasuke and Kakashi, ever tactical, conserved their chakra and ocular abilities, only dispatching those who got too close with precise, deadly strikes.
Even the first Hinata clone fought with fierce determination, her Byakugan revealing weak points and her jūken technique taking down foes with grace and lethality.
However, the relentless onslaught soon drew the attention of Androids 9 and 10. The two machines moved with cold precision, their eyes glowing with an eerie red light as they assessed the battlefield. With swift, brutal efficiency, they eliminated the first two Hinata clones with a vicious red beam of light.
"Those weren't the real ones," Android 9 stated, its voice devoid of emotion. "Continue the search."
Before they could move, a Particle Style jutsu from Onoki nearly eradicated them, forcing the androids to dodge at the last second. The surviving members of Team Humanity regrouped, their eyes narrowing as they faced the new threat.
The androids' appearance was haunting, their metallic bodies sleek and menacing, reminiscent of Ultron from the old Marvel tales. Their expressions, or lack thereof, exuded an air of cold detachment, yet their movements and actions were driven by an almost malevolent intent.
Kurotsuchi gritted her teeth, her eyes blazing with fury. "These things… they're not human. They're abominations."
Tien clenched his fists, his aura flaring. "We need to take them down."
The androids, seemingly unfazed by the warriors' words, advanced with mechanical precision. "Eliminate all possible threats," Android 10 commanded.
The battle commenced with a ferocity that shook the very foundations of Kirigakure. Onoki's Particle Style clashed with the androids' energy blasts, the resulting shockwaves rattling the air. Lee and Gai moved in perfect sync, their attacks a blur of motion, yet every strike seemed to bounce off the androids' reinforced bodies.
Tenten launched a barrage of homing missiles, the explosions lighting up the night. Yet, the androids emerged from the smoke unscathed, their red eyes glowing ominously. Chiaotzu attempted to use his telekinesis to immobilize them, but the androids' resistance was too strong.
Sasuke and Kakashi, realizing the futility of conserving their chakra, joined the fray with their Sharingan blazing. Kakashi's lightning-fast attacks paired with Sasuke's fire jutsu created a deadly combination, but the androids adapted quickly, their movements fluid and calculated.
Even Hinata's third clone joined the fray and fought valiantly, her strikes precise and powerful. But as she landed a particularly strong blow, Android 9 retaliated with a blast that disintegrated her into nothingness.
"They're adapting too quickly," Sasuke muttered, his eyes narrowing. "We need a new strategy."
Before they could formulate a plan, the androids' demeanor shifted. They no longer moved with mechanical precision; they became terminators of evil, their intent clear and malevolent.
"We will destroy all obstacles," Android 10 declared, its voice dripping with menace.
The remaining warriors steeled themselves, their determination unbroken. They knew the odds were against them, but retreat was not an option. They had to fight, to protect humanity from the terror that was Piccolo Daimao and his creations.
This was greater than just the shinobi world. This was an event of global ramifications.
The battle raged on, each side giving their all. Despite their combined efforts, the androids proved to be formidable opponents, their resilience and adaptability a constant challenge.
As the moments wore on, the warriors of Team Humanity continued to fight with every ounce of strength and willpower they had. The losses they had already suffered weighed heavily on them, but they knew that victory was their only option.
"We can't let them win," Gai shouted, his voice a rallying cry. "For our fallen comrades, we fight on!"
The warriors nodded in agreement, they would fight until their last breath.
Yet, amidst the chaos and destruction, the androids remained relentless, their eyes glowing with the promise of more death to come.
Goku and Piccolo Daimao stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a deadly stare. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their impending battle pressing down on the very fabric of reality. Goku's carefree demeanor belied the storm of anticipation brewing within him, while Piccolo's menacing smirk revealed his confidence in his own power.
"You think you can match me, boy?" Piccolo sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "I've transcended the limits of mere mortals."
Goku grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've heard that before too! Say something new please."
In an instant, the silence shattered. The first ten seconds of their real clash obliterated the palace, the shockwaves rippling outward and shaking the island to its core. Their movements were a blur, untraceable to the naked eye, as they exchanged blows at speeds that defied comprehension.
Goku's fists collided with Piccolo's, the impact sending out shockwaves that leveled the surrounding structures. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered, unable to withstand the force of their power. Each strike was met with equal ferocity, neither combatant giving an inch.
As their battle intensified, the fight spread beyond the confines of the palace ruins, their immense strength tearing through the landscape. Trees were uprooted, rocks shattered, and the very earth itself seemed to quake under the force of their blows. They fought across the island, their clash like a thunderstorm incarnate.
Goku reveled in the challenge, his joy evident in every punch and kick. "This is it, Piccolo! This is what I've been waiting for!"
Piccolo's eyes narrowed, his amusement giving way to focused intensity. "You won't be so eager when I crush you, boy."
They clashed again, their bodies a blur of motion as they exchanged strikes. Goku's speed and agility were matched by Piccolo's raw power and ferocity. The two combatants pushed each other to their limits, neither willing to back down.
Their battle spilled into the waters surrounding the island, the force of their blows creating massive waves that bordered on tsunamis. The ocean roared and churned, the skies above darkening with the chaos of their fight. The entire island seemed to be caught in the eye of a storm, the epicenter of a battle that threatened to tear the world apart.
Piccolo launched a barrage of energy blasts, each one powerful enough to annihilate a lesser opponent. Goku dodged and deflected them with ease, his body moving with a fluid grace that belied his immense strength. He countered with a quick Kamehameha, the beam of energy tearing through the air and slamming into Piccolo with explosive force.
Piccolo grunted, absorbing the impact and retaliating with a devastating punch that sent Goku flying. The Saiyan crashed into the ground, creating a crater with his landing. But he was back on his feet in an instant, his grin wider than ever.
"You're tough, Piccolo. I like that," Goku said, wiping blood from his mouth.
"You're nothing but an insect to me," Piccolo snarled. "I'll squash you like the pest you are."
They charged at each other again, their battle a dance of destruction and power. Goku's strikes were precise and controlled, each one aimed to exploit any opening in Piccolo's defenses. Piccolo's attacks were brutal and unrelenting, each one carrying the weight of his immense power.
The fight continued to escalate, their movements growing faster and more ferocious. They fought with everything they had, their blows causing the very air to tremble. The ground beneath them shattered, the ocean roared, and the sky itself seemed to darken with the intensity of their clash.
Despite the ferocity of their battle, Goku's joy never wavered. He was finally getting the fight he had always dreamed of, and he was determined to savor every moment. Piccolo's power was immense, but so was his own. They were perfectly matched, and the thrill of the challenge was exhilarating.
"You're not bad, Piccolo," Goku said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "But I'm not giving up."
Piccolo's eyes flashed with anger. "You won't have the chance to give up. I'll end this now."
Their battle raged on, the island and the ocean bearing the brunt of their power. The fight was only just beginning, and neither Goku nor Piccolo showed any signs of slowing down.
As they clashed, the world around them seemed to hold its breath, the fate of everything hanging in the balance. Goku and Piccolo fought with a fury that defied description. And as the fight continued, one thing was clear: this was the battle of a lifetime, and neither warrior would stop until only one was left standing.
Hinata moved like a shadow through the chaos, her Byakugan scanning for threats as she navigated the war-torn village. The echoes of battle surrounded her, but her focus remained sharp. She slipped through the darkened alleys, her heart pounding as she reached the outskirts of the island. The cliffside towered over the ocean, the waves crashing below with a thunderous roar.
She took a deep breath, feeling the cool sea breeze against her skin. This was her moment. She opened the storage capsule, and the seven Dragon Balls emerged, glowing with an ethereal light. The sky above darkened almost immediately, the familiar sensation of Shenron's summoning filling the air with an ancient, powerful energy.
"Shenron, I summon you forth!" Hinata called out, her voice steady despite the gravity of the moment.
The Dragon Balls pulsed with light, and Shenron's massive form coiled into the sky, his eyes glowing red as he awaited her wish. Just then, a flash of realization hit Piccolo Daimao. He turned his head towards the darkening sky and, with a speed that seemed to defy reality, he flew towards Hinata, intending to kill Shenron before the wish could be made.
But Goku, sensing the impending threat, surged with desperation. He intercepted Piccolo with a thunderous kick to his side, the impact sending Piccolo tumbling through the war-torn village. The force of the blow reverberated through the air, drawing the attention of every fighter on the island.
Hinata turned her attention back to Shenron. "I wish to bring back all those who were killed by Piccolo Daimao, Orochimaru, and their associates over the past two years."
Shenron's eyes glowed a deep crimson, the energy of the wish coursing through his form. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, with a voice that echoed like thunder, Shenron spoke. "I cannot revive those who have been dead for over a year."
Hinata's heart sank. Her mind raced, trying to come up with an alternative wish. As she stood on the cliffside, the memories of her fallen comrades flooded her mind. Kiba, with his infectious energy and loyal heart, who had been mercilessly slain. Choji, the gentle giant with a spirit as vast as his appetite, who had been crushed to paste by Gaara. Even the likes of Karin and Juugo, two people who did not deserve the deaths that came to them. Her eyes welled with tears as she thought of all the others who had fallen, their lives cut short by the cruelty of the world and its inhabitants.
Her fists clenched in frustration, and her voice trembled with sorrow. "No... it can't end like this," she whispered, feeling the weight of her friends' deaths pressing down on her. Just as she was about to speak again, a dangerous yellow beam shot towards Shenron.
"No!" Hinata screamed, her voice filled with desperation. Before the beam could hit its target, Shenron disappeared in a swirl of dark energy. Hinata turned, her Byakugan seeing through the distortion. The masked man—Madara Uchiha—stood there, his presence radiating an ominous intent.
"What the hell is going on?" Hinata muttered, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and anger.
Tobi's masked face tilted slightly as if mocking her confusion. "You have something that belongs to me," he said, his voice cold and menacing.
Hinata clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. "You're not taking anything from me."
Tobi laughed, a chilling sound that sent shivers down her spine. "Why lie to yourself so quickly?"
Before she could react, Tobi's Kamui activated, and the Dragon Balls were sucked into the swirling vortex. He vanished just as suddenly as he appeared, taking the Dragon Balls with him.
"No!" Hinata screamed, reaching out futilely as the last traces of the Kamui vortex faded away. Her mind raced with frustration and determination. She had to find a way to recover the Dragon Balls and complete the wish. The realization that Kiba, Choji, and countless others could not be revived hit her like a physical blow, the hope that had flickered so briefly now snuffed out.
The wind whipped around her, carrying the distant sounds of battle. Hinata stood alone on the cliffside, her heart heavy with grief and anger. She had come so close, and yet...
Victory had been snatched away. Just like that.