Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Team Seven's and Fū's backup arriving, along with getting a look at Ryujin himself as he learns about the deaths of the three experiments, before he sends more to deal with the Ninja. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Four days have passed since Team Seven had arrived to take of Chakra Mutants attacking it, only to learn they were really failed experiments made by Orochimaru. Having learned this from Fū, a Taki Kunoichi that'd been hired along with her teammates to deal with the experiments. With Fū being the only survivor after they hunted down the experiments, the greenette escaping while her teammates were killed.
After learning all this, Kakashi had sent Pakkun back to Konoha to request backup before he and Yamato went to set up defenses around the town. While Naruto, Satsuki, and Hinata got to know Fū, who'd accidently revealed Naruto's Jinchūriki status to both girls, and while shocked at this, it didn't change how they saw the Uzumaki either. Leading to them becoming Fū's friends at her request upon seeing that they didn't care about Naruto being a Jinchūriki, while making her happy to finally have friends outside of Shibuki.
Resulting in the four Genin training together while they waited for their backup to arrive, with Naruto having also taught Fū the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Something that excited the Nanabi Jinchūriki after learning how useful it could be during training, and touched that Naruto would teach her it.
The four of them had also taught each other some Ninjutsu with Naruto, Satsuki, and Hinata teaching Fū the Water Style and Wind Style Ninjutsu they knew. While Fū taught them the Water Style Ninjutsu she knew, as well as teaching Naruto and Hinata some exercises to strengthen their Water Style Ninjutsu as well.
They also learned that Fū was pretty skilled in Kenjutsu as well, when she showed them the Takigakure Style: Watercutting Sword, while understanding that it's one Jutsu she couldn't teach them. But it did give Naruto and Satsuki the chance to spar against her, using their swords. With Hinata also sparring against them while using their swords, wanting to get better at fighting opponents that use weapons.
Outside of the training, the Genin also spent time together while getting to know each other better, something that made Fū happier than she'd been in a long time. Which the Konoha Genin noticed, making them happy as well that they were able to help Fū and befriend the Taki Kunoichi.
Currently, Team Seven and Fū were at the entrance of town, waiting for their backup to arrive; knowing they should be arriving today.
"So, who did the Hokage send anyway?" Satsuki asked while looking at Kakashi and Yamato, wondering who their backup will be.
"The message didn't give any specific names, just that it'll be a three-man team which will have a Medic-Ninja, someone to help gather information and interrogate one of the experiments if we capture one of them alive, and someone to help fight them." Replied Kakashi, knowing that names weren't usually included in messages, in case they were ever intercepted.
"Will that be enough? Just three more people?" Questioned Hinata, not sure if three people will make much of a difference, especially if only one would be helping them actually fight the experiments.
"It will be, along with being safer since a larger team would draw more attention, as well as potentially cause the experiments to attack all at once or flee if they don't want to face superior numbers." Yamato said, the Genin nodding in understanding since they couldn't risk the experiments attacking all at once or running away and scattering.
After another hour, the Ninja could see their backup approaching before they soon jumped down in front of the town entrance. With Naruto, Satsuki, and Hinata recognizing one of the members of the team as Yūgao Uzuki.
Yūgao is a young woman with fair skin, straight, purple hair reaching down to her waist and tied in a ponytail, and warm brown eyes, along with having a red flame-like tattoo on her right shoulder. With her attire consisting of a black halter top that left her midsection exposed, a green flak jacket, form-fitting black pants, black elbow-length gloves with metal arm guards, black Ninja sandals and a sword strapped to her back.
The Genin having met Yūgao, after Kakashi and Yamato brought her during training sessions to help Naruto and Satsuki with their Kenjutsu. Though she didn't show up all the time due to her being busy, unaware that she was fulfilling her Anbu duties. With her fiancé, Hayate Gekkō, filling in as their Kenjutsu Instructor when she was unavailable.
As for the other two, the first is a large, imposing man with tanned skin, black eyes, and two scars on his face with one going diagonally down his right cheek and jaw, and the second going down the left side of his face near his eye and through his mouth to his chin. With him wearing a dark grey, nearly black, uniform consisting of a buttoned shirt with a folded collar, matching colored pants, and dark grey Ninja sandals, a black trench coat over it, and a bandanna version of the forehead protector wrapped around his head.
And the second was a nineteen-year-old teen boy with pale skin, onyx-colored eyes covered by circular, black-rimmed glasses, and ash-grey hair kept in a ponytail and bangs that parted at the center. His attire consisted of a dark purple shirt with a high collar, a white under-shirt, dark purple pants with a white cloth waistband, blue Ninja sandals, dark purple fingerless gloves with armored plates on the back of the hand, and a blue forehead protector.
"Ibiki? I'm surprised the Hokage sent you." Kakashi said in surprise that the Hokage chose to send Ibiki to get information out of the experiments.
"Given the circumstances, Hokage-sama wanted to ensure we got all the information we could get out of these experiments." Replied Ibiki, with the two Jōnin nodding at this, knowing if anyone can make any experiments they capture reveal their secrets, it'd be Ibiki.
"Well, it's good to see you here, you as well Yūgao. And I take it this is the Medic-Ninja." Yamato said as he and Kakashi shook their colleagues hands before turning to who they guessed was the Medic-Ninja, who smiled and bowed lightly to them.
"I am indeed. Genin Kabuto Yakushi, I'm looking forward to helping in any way I can." Introduced Kabuto, getting surprised looks from Team Seven and Fū that he's just a Genin.
"A Genin? Wasn't there anyone else?" Kakashi asked, wondering why the Sandaime would send a Genin when there could have been more experienced Medic-Nin available.
"It may seem strange, and while Kabuto's had a less than stellar track record when it comes to the Chūnin Exams, he's also proven to be one of our best medics. Being the adopted son of the late, former Captain of the Medic Corps and his part-time work at the hospital. It's why the Hokage assigned him to this mission, since he isn't expecting him to take part in any field work as a Medic-Ninja, and if he does a good enough job then he can qualify for a field promotion." Ibiki explained, knowing for any Genin that don't have any luck in the Chūnin Exams, they would find better luck in advancing through the ranks with field promotions.
"Indeed, while I may not be much of a fighter, I still do what I can and hope to be able to advance to Chūnin with what I do here." Said Kabuto while scratching his cheek sheepishly at his past failures in the Chūnin Exams.
With Kakashi nodding in understanding at this, knowing that rank doesn't mean anything, it's how skilled and talented a person is. If the Hokage chose Kabuto as the Medic-Nin, then it means he must be very talented.
"Either way, it's good to have you here Kabuto, with what we're up against we'll likely need a skilled medic. These are our Genin, Naruto Uzumaki, Satsuki Uchiha and Hinata Hyūga, with this being Fū from Takigakure." Said Yamato, with Kabuto nodding before turning to his fellow Genin.
"Hello, it's nice meeting you four." Said Kabuto while shaking their hands, though Fū merely nodded and regarded the backup team warily.
As while she's begun opening up more with Naruto, Satsuki and Hinata, she's still wary and distrustful of other people she didn't know.
"It's nice meeting you as well, Kabuto. Are you really that talented of a Medic-Ninja for the Hokage to send you?" Questioned Hinata, given with her desire to learn Medical Ninjutsu, it'd be good to see if Kabuto would be willing to help her when he isn't busy.
"I don't mean to brag or anything, but I like to believe I'm one of the best Medic-Nin in Konoha, learning all I can and improving my knowledge, along with making sure I have perfect Chakra Control. And I'm hoping to prove myself on this mission." Kabuto replied, though having completely different thoughts to what he was saying.
Having been contacted by Orochimaru to make sure he was the Medic-Nin on the backup team to ensure Konoha doesn't learn anything they shouldn't about the Curse Marks. With it being easy enough to make sure his file was among those the Hokage wanted, to see who'd be the best qualified for the mission. Along with a convincing performance of being eager to prove himself in the field in the hopes for a field promotion, getting him a spot on the team.
'And the chance to study these failed experiments was also too good to pass up, to see what changes could have occurred since they were left here.' Thought Kabuto while pushing his glasses up, intrigued to study the experiments bodies and the information he can gather from them.
"In fact, if you're interested, when you all aren't out in the field and I'm not busy with my duties as a medic, I could even teach you some advanced Chakra Control Exercises I know, as well as some Medical Ninjutsu." Kabuto offered, surprising the Genin at the offer.
"You'd help teach us Medical Ninjutsu and improve our Chakra Control? Why?" Satsuki asked with a raised brow, figuring he'd be more focused on his own duties and training.
"Well as your senpai, I feel it's my responsibility to help train new Genin to be better prepared for when they go out into the field, along with the other trials and tribulations that come with being a Ninja. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that while it's important to always have a Medic-Nin in your team, it's even better if the entire team could heal themselves than rely on a single person." Replied Kabuto, something the Genin could understand as it made sense.
"That'd be really great Kabuto, I'm actually learning Medical Ninjutsu and having someone teaching me would be even better." Hinata said with a smile as Satsuki nodded in agreement.
"It would be good to be able to heal our own injuries if we end up alone and are low on supplies." Said Satsuki, knowing that way they'd be able to heal themselves and conserve supplies like medical equipment.
"I'll…think about it, since I doubt that I'll be able to get my Chakra Control high enough to learn Medical Ninjutsu." Said Naruto, hesitant at accepting help from someone he didn't know or trust.
"Are you sure? I'd be happy to help, and if Medical Ninjutsu doesn't work, I also have knowledge on a wide range of herbs that can be made into medicines and poisons that'd be useful on missions." Kabuto said, with Naruto simply nodding.
"I'll think about it." Naruto repeated before looking away.
"Don't mind Naruto, he's just become rather introverted with those from Konoha." Said Satsuki, knowing that Naruto wouldn't trust someone instantly, especially if they're from Konoha as well.
"Yeah. Naruto-kun also has trust issues among his peers, especially with those he doesn't know and it'd take a while before you can earn his trust. It's nothing personal." Hinata added, with Kabuto waving it off in understanding, but also taking note of this change.
'Hmm, it seems it's not just his physical appearance that's changed, it's also his personality. And from what I'm sensing, Naruto also seems to have grown stronger as well, compared to what his Academy Record says. I'll have to make sure to keep a close eye on these Genin, especially Naruto and Satsuki with their progress. Hinata and Fū are a bonus as well, an unbranded Hyūga that's been cast out of the clan and branching out in her techniques, as well as the Nanabi Jinchūriki.' Thought Kabuto, knowing these Genin will warrant his attention and see how they progress.
Especially since the greenette is also a target of his other master and the organization he's a part of, knowing it could prove beneficial if he has a chance to bring her to them.
Kabuto then turned his attention to Kakashi and Yamato as they began filling the backup team in on everything that's happened. While Yūgao went over and smiled at the Genin, which Naruto, Satsuki and Hinata returned.
"It's good to see you three again." Yūgao said, glad to see her part-time students and that they're alright despite how dangerous this mission looks to be.
"You too Yūgao-sensei, we've also been keeping up with the training you've given us, along with Hayate-sensei." Replied Naruto, with Satsuki nodding in agreement.
"I'm also getting better at dual wielding my swords as well, especially with the sparring matches we've been having against Fū." Satsuki added, getting Yūgao's attention as she turned to the greenette.
"You know Kenjutsu? I'm guessing that means you know how to use the Watercutting Sword." Said Yūgao, surprising Fū that she knew about that technique.
"You know about it?" Questioned Fū, with the purplette nodding in response.
"I've heard about it, since Kenjutsu's always been an interested of mine, I learn about all the different styles and types of swords used in it. The Takigakure Style: Watercutting Sword is certainly the most unique I've heard of, and I'd be interested in seeing you use it Fū. If you want, while we're here and aren't busy, I could even give you some pointers, since I also help Naruto and Satsuki with their Kenjutsu training." Yūgao said, surprising Fū again at the offer before she looked to the other Genin, wanting to see what they thought of her.
With the trio nodding, having gotten to know Yūgao during their training sessions, along with what they hears from Hayate about her, they all trusted the purplette. Making Fū turn back to Yūgao and nod slowly, accepting her offer, willing to give her a chance but would remain guarded.
"That about covers everything. Kabuto, when you're ready to examine the bodies, we've got them stored away in the clinic." Kakashi said, with the Medic-Nin nodding in response.
"I'll head there now and get started; I'll bring a report once I find out everything I can." Replied Kabuto before heading towards the clinic to begin his examination.
"While he's doing that, you both come with me to help setup a workshop I can use." Ibiki said, Kakashi and Yamato nodding, knowing his "workshop" will need to be secured and prepared for interrogation and, potentially, torture.
"Yūgao, you and the Genin head out to start scouting the area and see about setting up some traps as well. Kakashi-senpai and I will join you once we're done helping Ibiki." Said Yamato as the trio left to find somewhere to setup a "workshop".
"Alright, then let's head out and start scouting the area and putting up some traps." Yūgao said to the Genin, who nodded in response before they headed out of the village to get started.
*Unknown Location*
Meanwhile, unknown to the Ninja, the leader of the failed experiments, Ryujin, has just learned of the death of three of his subordinates.
Ryujin was a young man with pale skin, long black hair that went down to his waist and kept tied up in a ponytail, pointed ears, black claws, red eyes, and a red scar that ran diagonally across his nose, left eye, and right cheek. With his attire consisting of a red kimono held closed by a teal sash, black robes over the kimono, and a large white fur around his neck and wrapped around his right arm.
With Ryujin currently sitting on a throne made out of bones, being mostly made out of skulls, looking down at three of his fellow failed Second Stage Curse Mark experiments that were kneeling before him.
The first being a muscular bipedal horse with brown skin, a mane of black hair, a matching colored tail, solid yellow eyes, and a horn sprouting from their forehead. With them only wearing a battle skirt made of white and black fur, a necklace made of large red beads, gold bands around their forearms, and blue and gold bracers, with them also wielding a large battle axe.
The second was an equally muscular bipedal bull with black skin, horns sprouting from the top of their head, and solid blue eyes. With them wearing a similar battle skirt with the addition of a blue loincloth, a necklace made of large blue beads, blue and hold bracers, and a gold ring through their nose, along with carrying a large hammer.
And the final experiment was a bipedal wolf creature, with dark grey fur covering its body, lighter grey fur around its muzzle and chest, solid dark yellow eyes, razor sharp claws, and fangs sprouting from the corners of its mouth. With their only clothing being torn dark blue pants, and grey cuffs around their wrists.
"So, Blitz, Tank and Jester are dead. Killed by Konoha Ninja." Ryujin said, not liking to hear more Ninja have arrived, even less that they killed three of his fellow failed experiments.
"Yes, Ryujin-sama. We found the sight of the battle and got a look at the village, finding it's now surrounded by a wall with the Ninja residing inside. We also heard that they would be expecting backup to arrive as well." Said the horse, making Ryujin close eyes his eyes letting out a sigh of annoyance, before opening his eyes again.
"Mezuki, Gozuki, Lycan. Find these Ninja and deal with all of them, along with that Taki Ninja that managed to escape. Kill them and bring me their heads, so they can be added to my collection." Said Ryujin, refusing to have these Ninja continue interfering in their business.
"Yes, Ryujin-sama!" Said the three experiments before they stood up and took off to leave their base to track down the Ninja and deal with them.
*Later-With Kabuto*
Kabuto looked over the bodies of Blitz, Tank and Jester, having looked at samples of their blood, bones, and organs to see what he could find, along with where their Curse Marks were located as well. Before he began examining them to see what changes there were. Once that was done he began filling out his reports to be delivered.
'The Animal Curse Seals seems to have improved since the protype stages, there doesn't seem to be any cell destruction nor any deteriation in their bodies. And despite being dead, they've yet to revert back to their human forms.' Kabuto thought while writing down his notes as he glanced at the bodies.
Unlike the Curse Seals on the Sound Four and Kimimaro, the Animal Curse Seal was the predecessor, instead giving instructions on how to make a potion that'd transform the user. Unfortunately, the potion was incomplete, as any test subjects died not long after since their bodies couldn't handle the power boost. And those that did survive might as well have died since they lose all their power, shrivel up, and can barely move on their own.
With this being the completed version that Orochimaru had created and acted like the current Curse Seal, where he'd bite them and see if they survived. Though the Sannin had lost interest in the project after discovering Jūgo and his unique abilities to create an even stronger Curse Seals.
'Though judging from the battle they had with Kakashi and Yamato, perhaps these experiments have found a way to draw out more power from their Curse Seals. Perhaps even a way for them to permanently remain in their Second Stage Forms, even after death. But would they be able to transform back to their human forms or do they end up stuck in their transformed states.' Thought Kabuto as he continued writing.
'Though if I recall correctly, Tayuya has shown the ability to draw out more of her Curse Seals power when she has strong feelings of hatred and rage, enough to where she could beat Sakon and Ukon. Could it be their hatred and anger allowed them to draw out more power, or is it an ability unique to only Tayuya. Or perhaps they had begun to transform even further past the Second Stage, allowing them to evolve and adapt, while gaining more power and new abilities. Is it possible that this version of the Curse Seal doesn't have a limit to how much power the user can gain, allowing them to continuously grow stronger? Could that be the case with Ryujin, for him to be the leader and have the most power? Did he grow even stronger?' Kabuto thought with a frown.
Finishing his report before he went over and sabotaged the bodies, making it seem like the cells began deteriorating, breaking them down until there would soon be nothing useful left. Once that was done, he began writing his "official" report to deliver to Ibiki, while sending a Shadow Clone to meet up with Kimimaro and deliver the real report to Orochimaru.
Finding the Kaguya outside the village, far enough away to where he wouldn't be sensed by the Konoha Ninja, but close enough to keep an eye on them.
"Kabuto, what did you find out?" Kimimaro asked while looking at the clone, who handed him the report.
"Here's the data I've collected for Orochimaru-sama." Replied the clone, with Kimimaro nodding as he looked the report over, frowning at the more he read.
"You think the experiments could have become even stronger." Stated Kimimaro, with the clone nodding in response as the Kaguya sealed the report away to be delivered to Orochimaru.
"It's a possibility, given that just three of them were able to give Kakashi and Yamato trouble for a while, along with displaying unexpected abilities like spitting acid and casting a Genjutsu to make anyone laugh uncontrollably. And the fact Ryujin is able to make all of them obey and listen to him, means he's potentially grown even stronger than he was before." The clone said, which only made Kimimaro's frown deepen.
Given how last time they saw Ryujin, he was second only to Jūgo in terms of power, especially since his Curse Seal was unique as it was one of the newer Curse Seals with elements of the Animal ones added to it. If he's grown even stronger then he could prove to be a serious problem.
"You believe we should assist the Konoha Ninja in dealing with Ryujin, should he prove too much for them." Said Kimimaro, with the clone nodding at his words.
"Yes. If Ryujin does prove too powerful and kills them, then he'd be left to his own devices with no one to get in his way. Which could prove disastrous for us if he plans to target Orochimaru-sama." The clone said, making the Kaguya narrow his eyes in anger at the thought of anyone daring to target his master/savior.
"Very well, we will assist the Konoha Ninja if Ryujin proves too much for them to handle and ensure he does not become a threat to Orochimaru-sama." Kimimaro stated, with the clone nodding in agreement before dispelling as the Kaguya pulled out a summoning scroll and a vial of blood.
In a puff of smoke, a Snake Summon appeared, who Kimimaro handed the storage scroll to. Which it proceeded to swallow, before dispelling to deliver the report to Orochimaru.
*With Team Seven, Fū, and Yūgao*
Meanwhile, Yūgao and the Genin had set up several traps around the town, being able to cover more ground with the help from Naruto's and Fū's Shadow Clones. With them soon being joined by Kakashi and Yamato, after they'd finished helping Ibiki setup his "workshop".
Once they finished setting up several traps, the Genin and three Jōnin began scouting the surrounding forest, looking for any sign for where the experiments could be. Going to where Kakashi and Yamato fought the three experiments to see if they could pick up a trail for where they came from. With them all jumping through the trees, only for them to be forced to stop by a sudden powerful blast of wind.
The wind forcing them to channel Chakra to their feet to stick to the branches to avoid getting blown away. Though they didn't have time to react as the wind turned razor sharp, slicing right through the trees they were standing on. Making them all lose their footing as they were sent flying through the air, with Kakashi, Yamato and Yūgao managing to grab hold of some trees that weren't destroyed. While Naruto, Satsuki, Hinata, and Fū weren't as lucky as they went flying into the forest, making the Jōnin mentally curse as the wind soon stopped. But before they could go after the Genin, they were forced to jump back by a large blast of flames shooting from the ground. The three tensing with Kakashi and Yamato pulling out a kunai while Yūgao drew her sword when Gozuki and Mezuki jumped down on either side of them.
Not a moment later, Gozuki slammed his hammer into the ground, causing the ground to start shaking before stone spikes shot out of the ground towards the Ninja. With them quickly jumping into the air to avoid the spikes before Yūgao raised her sword blocking Mezuki's axe after he jumped up after them.
"Wind Style: Air Bullets!" Mezuki shouted, shooting multiple air bullets right at Yūgao, with the purplette having no time to dodge the point-blank attack as she was sent flying back and flying into a tree grunting at the impact.
"Earth Style: Flying Thrown Stones!" Said Gozuki before slamming his hammer into the ground again, sending dozens of rocks flying right at Yūgao.
"Lightning Style: Electromagnetic Murder!" Kakashi said, going through handsigns before releasing a stream of lightning that blasted through the rocks towards Gozuki.
"Water Style: Water Trumpet!" Said Yamato, shooting a jet of water through his hands at the bull experiment, combining with the lightning empowering both attacks, only for Mezuki to jump down in front of Gozuki.
"Wind Style: Wind Cutter Jutsu!" Said Mezuki while swinging his axe and unleashing several blades of wind, slashing through and dispersing the stream of water, along with dispelling the lightning.
"Fire Style: Blazing Meteors!" Said Gozuki, releasing several fireballs at the two Jōnin, with the flames growing even larger and more powerful by the Wind Cutter Jutsu.
The sight making Kakashi and Yamato quickly use a Substitution to avoid getting hit by the wind blades and fireballs. With Yūgao having recovered from the previous hit from Mezuki before getting behind the two experiments, creating five Shadow Clones that all rushed the two from blind spots.
"Dance of the Crescent Moon!" Said Yūgao, as Gozuki and Mezuki looked to her and her clones before they all leapt through the air in a formation reminiscent of a crescent moon.
With the sudden change making Gozuki and Mezuki look to see where they landed as Yūgao and her clones rushed them with their swords drawn.
"Fire Style: Running Fire!" Said Gozuki, creating a circle of fire around him and Mezuki.
"Wind Style: Divine Wind!" Mezuki said, releasing a gust of wind that began forming into several mini tornadoes.
Which combined with the flaming circle, creating tornadoes of fire that rushed right towards Yūgao and her clones, incinerating each of them until nothing but ash was left. Though suddenly the two experiments found themselves ensnared by multiple branches emerging from the ground. With Yamato soon emerging from the ground, with his right arm current being made of wood and digging into the ground.
"Wood Style: Smothering Binding Jutsu!" Said Yamato before they heard the sound of birds chirping, as Kakashi and Yūgao both leapt from the trees, the purplette having been hidden the entire time while sending clones to distract them.
"Raikiri!" Kakashi said, diving down towards Gozuki to stab his Raikiri into his chest.
"Hazy Moon Night!" Said Yūgao while swinging her sword in a circular motion, leaving behind afterimages before rushing Mezuki.
The Copy Ninja impaled Gozuki in the chest, while Yūgao stabbed her sword through Mezuki's neck, killing both of the failed experiments. Only for the three to be shocked when Gozuki and Mezuki dissolved into mud, showing they were only Earth Style: Shadow Clones.
"Earth Style: Earth Corridor!" Gozuki shouted as he emerged from the ground before the it began rising up around the Konoha Ninja until they were completely trapped inside the now expansive cavern Gozuki created.
With the bull-like and horse-like creatures being at one of the exits, while Mezuki had three clones at the other three exits.
"Lightning Style: Depth Charge!" Said Mezuki and his clones, as all of them surrounded their bodies in lightning before swinging their axes at the tunnels, unleashing powerful bolts of electricity into them.
While within the tunnel, Kakashi, Yamato and Yūgao heard the sound of electricity before their eyes widened as they soon saw the lightning come at them from either side.
"Earth Style: Mud Wall!" Kakashi said, going through handsigns before slamming his hands on the ground, creating two stone walls on either side of them to block the lightning.
"Wood Style: Wood Locking Wall!" Said Yamato, going through handsigns as wooden roots emerged from the ground and surrounded the trio in a dome of wood for added defense.
Getting their shields up just in time as the bolts of electricity crashed into and through the stone walls, hitting the wooden dome with Yamato gritting his teeth as he used more Chakra to keep the dome up. Only stopping once they heard the lightning finally fade away.
Before tensing as they then heard Gozuki and Mezuki attacking the dome with their weapons trying to break through. Making the three trade looks, knowing this was going to be more difficult than they thought.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, Hinata, and Fū*
Meanwhile, Naruto and the girls had landed on the ground after being sent flying, making them grunt at the impact before getting up.
"Are you three alright?" Naruto asked while looking at the girls as they picked themselves up.
"Yeah, we're good." Replied Satsuki, Hinata and Fū nodding in agreement.
"Was that one of the experiments that attacked?" Hinata asked as she activated her Byakugan to keep an eye out, in case any other of the experiments were nearby.
"They've probably learned about you all being here and that three of their members are now dead. Which means these ones are likely stronger than the other three." Fū stated, making the Konoha Genin nod in agreement, before they tensed when they suddenly saw something speeding through the trees.
"Hinata!" Satsuki said as he drew her swords and combined them together into a bow, with Naruto drawing his katana as well, all of them looking around for the experiment.
"I…I'm having trouble following it, it's moving so fast…there!" Said Hinata, pointing to where the experiment was going to be, making Satsuki immediately shoot an arrow into trees, only to end up missing.
Before they were forced to jump out of way of several crescent shaped blades of Chakra came shooting out of trees at them. With Naruto tensing as he quickly raised his sword, blocking Lycan's claws as the wolf-like experiment leapt out of trees at the Uzumaki. Only to grunt in pain when Lycan opened his muzzle, unleashing a loud sonic howl as a blue concussive blast.
The blast sending Naruto flying into a tree, though he managed to catch himself and flip around while landing on his feet, sticking to the tree. Before jumping away when Lycan jumped at him, his claws tearing through the tree with ease.
"Water Style: Rising Water Slicer!" Fū said while going through handsigns before slamming her hands on the ground, causing a linear wave of water to shoot up and rush towards Lycan.
"Lightning Style: Electric Shock Needles!" Said Satsuki while creating several needles made of lightning before launching them at Lycan.
With Lycan opening his mouth and unleashing another sonic howl at the two Jutsu, stopping them from hitting him before sending them right back at Satsuki and Fū. The two attacks combining as a result and making it even more powerful.
"Wind Style: Divine Mountain Wind!" Naruto said while jumping in front of Satsuki and Fū, creating a vortex of wind that he launched at the attack with the two colliding against each other, with the Uzumaki pushing more Chakra into his Jutsu while Lycan began howling louder.
Luckily the stalemate ended as Hinata took the chance to get in close behind Lycan.
"Fire Style: Flame Capture!" Hinata said, creating a whip of fire which she launched at Lycan, wrapping it around his neck and stopped his howl.
Allowing Naruto's wind vortex to slam into him, which also enhanced the fire whip, while sending Lycan crashing into a tree which collapsed on top of him. Though not a moment later, Lycan threw the tree off of him, roaring loudly as Chakra flared around him before he vanished in a burst of speed.
None of them having time to react as Lycan appeared behind Hinata, slamming his fist into the side of her head, sending the bluenette flying through the trees. With him then appearing in front of Naruto, Satsuki and Fū before bringing his claws up and uppercutting both girls, launching them into the air before then unleashing a sonic howl at Naruto sending him crashing into a tree. The wolf-like experiment keeping up the howl, keeping the Jinchūriki pinned to the tree as he moved in closer, increasing the pressure of the blast.
Though suddenly Naruto started glowing before he exploded, sending Lycan skidding back, growling at seeing it was just a clone. Looking around, he didn't see any sign of Hinata, Satsuki or Fū, showing they'd escaped as well. Raising his head, Lycan sniffed the air until he caught their scent before taking off through the forest after them.
Soon catching sight of the Uchiha jumping through the trees, making Lycan release another sonic howl at her, only for Satsuki to jump out of the way by going down to the ground. The sight making Lycan leap right at the ravenette, but was thrown back as Satsuki immediately turned around, showing her bow and nocked arrow. Lycan not having a chance to dodge as Satsuki fired the arrow, but rather than impale him, it split into four pieces, revealing a net that ensnared Lycan.
With Lycan finding himself pinned against a tree and trapped in the net before he saw Satsuki holding a length of Ninja Wire attached to the net. The Uchiha then bit down on the end of it and went through handsigns.
"Fire Style: Dragon Fire Jutsu!" Satsuki said through the wire before unleashing a stream of fire that trailed along the wire right towards Lycan, consuming the experiment in a wave of flames
Though Lycan managed to let out a sonic howl, dispersing the flames back before tearing through the net and rushing Satsuki, roaring and prepared to tear her apart with his claws. Only to find himself knocked to the side as Naruto jumped through the trees, slamming his foot into Lycan's head. The kick sending Lycan crashing through the ground into a large pit with stone spikes at the bottom.
Lycan managed to dig his claws into the side of the pit, saving himself from being impaled on the spikes, before looking up to see Naruto and Satsuki standing there.
"Water Style: Surging Sea!" Said Naruto after going through handsigns before expelling a large amount of water at Lycan, the experiment gritting its teeth as the pressure pushed him further into the pit.
"Lightning Style: Lightning Ball!" Satsuki said creating several balls of lightning she launched at Lycan, electrocuting him which was only made more painful from the water acting as a conductor.
With Lycan unable to keep his grip and fell down into the pit, but unleashed a powerful sonic howl at the spikes, managing to destroy them so he only landed on solid ground rather than be impaled. Once the attacks stopped, Lycan leapt out of the pit only to see Naruto and Satsuki were gone, making him roar in rage before taking off through the forest again.
Though he didn't get far when he saw a massive log came swinging towards him, which Lycan was able to grab hold of and jump past it. Only to see even more logs swinging around him, forcing the wolf-like experiment to constantly keep moving to avoid getting hit by any of the logs.
Lycan then began feeling droplets hitting him, making him look up only to frown at seeing it was raining. Though when he looked at the droplets on him, his eyes widened as rather than being regular water, the droplets were completely black, before he sniffed them and realized it wasn't water, it's oil!
"Water Style: Tornado of Water!" Said Fū as she and Hinata jumped down a good distance away from Lycan, who didn't have time to react as the oil ran began swirling around him as a large vortex.
"Fire Style: Fox Fire!" Hinata said creating ten blue fireballs she launched at the vortex, the oil igniting the moment the fire made contact and began burning Lycan.
The wolf-like experiment tried escaping the flames but couldn't get through them with how hot they were burning. Before he looked up and saw that there was still an opening at the top, leading Lycan to aim beneath him and released a sonic howl propelling himself into the air and out of the fiery vortex.
Landing on the ground, Lycan saw once again that his prey had escaped, enraging him even more than he already was. Though rather than rush off to find them again, Lycan instead began swinging his claws all around him, unleashing dozens of crescent-shaped blades of Chakra that tore through the surrounding trees. He continued this for several moments until soon a good portion of the forest was destroyed, with Lycan then sniffing the air until he caught the Genin's scent.
But instead of going after them himself, Lycan howled loudly as his Chakra flared around him before moving and forming three wolves made of Chakra, which he directed to go after the Genin. While Lycan began running at full speed to circle around them and attack them from the front while his wolves attacked from behind.
While the Genin were quickly jumping through the trees, pleased that they've managed to injure Lycan with their teamwork, traps, and ambushes. Though when they sensed him start destroying the forest, they knew they needed to think of something to end the fight, not wanting to risk Lycan starting to take it more seriously.
Only for them to look behind them, surprised when they saw the Chakra Wolves chasing after them, not expecting Lycan to be able to do that. Before they quickly separated when the wolves began closing the distance between them.
"Takigakure Style: Watercutting Sword!" Said Fū as she spat out some water which then solidified in the form of a sword, using it to block one of the wolves when it jumped at her, only to bite down on her sword.
With Satsuki ducking under the second wolf as it tried tackling her, the Uchiha quickly drawing one of her swords and sliced the wolf across its side, only to be surprised when it wasn't fazed by the attack. Before she raised her sword blocking the wolf when it slashed its claws at her, quickly drawing her second sword and slamming the flat of it against the wolfs head.
Hinata sidestepped the third wolf, delivering a palm strike to its head watching as it was knocked back into a tree before falling to the ground. Only for it to get back up and shake its head, growling at the bluenette before leaping up at her, forcing Hinata to jump back to avoid getting bitten by the wolf.
While Naruto drew his katana and went to help the girls deal with the wolves, before quickly turning around and blocking Lycan's claws. The Uzumaki not having time to react when Lycan brought his other hand up, delivering an uppercut that knocked Naruto into the air. The wolf-like experiment than jumping up above Naruto and unleashed a sonic howl that sent him crashing into the ground.
Which also distracted the girls, giving the Chakra Wolves the chance to attack them, with Fū getting tackled from behind and knocked to the ground. With Satsuki gritting her teeth as a wolf bit into her shoulder before being thrown to the ground, and Hinata had claws raked across her stomach sending her stumbling back to the ground as well.
The four Genin stood up, only to see Lycan and his Chakra Wolves standing across from them, making them tense as Naruto, Satsuki and Fū held their blades at the ready while Hinata got into her stance. Not a moment later, Lycan roared as he and his wolves charged the Genin.
*With Kakashi, Yamato, and Yūgao*
Back with the Jōnin, they were still having some difficultly against Gozuki and Mezuki, though they managed to gain an advantage once Kakashi revealed his Sharingan to better predict their movements. But even so, the two experiments were proving to be a powerful and dangerous team. With the trio having managed to put some distance from the two experiments to try and think of a plan.
"I think I may have an idea for how we could beat them, but we'll only have one chance." Kakashi said to Yamato and Yūgao, who glanced at him for a moment.
"What do we do?" Yūgao asked since they needed to end this fight quickly and make sure the Genin are alright, having no doubt another experiment was attacking them as well.
"Just keep them distracted for a while and when I give the signal, hit them hard and fast." Kakashi replied with the two nodding in response before they all tensed, only to immediately jump out of the way when a giant stone dragon shot up from the ground beneath them.
"Lightning Style: Lightning Beast Tracking!" Said Kakashi, creating a beast of lightning that charged at the stone dragon, tearing through it, before Gozuki and Mezuki emerged from the ground as well.
"Wind Style: Great Task of the Dragon!" Mezuki yelled while swinging his axe at the Ninja, creating a giant tornado that rushed towards them as well dispelling the lightning beast.
"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Jutsu!" Shouted Gozuki, unleashing a large dragon-shaped fire ball that collided with the tornado, igniting it, and creating a massive flaming vortex that rushed towards the Ninja.
The sight making their eyes widen before Kakashi and Yamato both began rapidly going through handsigns.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Jutsu!" Kakashi and Yamato said as they both expelled a massive amount of water at the vortex, the attacks colliding together creating a large amount of steam blocking everyone's view.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Said Mezuki, unleashing a powerful blast of wind, blowing away the steam only for them to not see the Ninja anywhere before Yamato came running out of the trees.
"Earth Style: Earth Flow Spear!" Said Yamato while going through handsigns before slamming his hands on the ground, causing multiple earth spikes to shoot up from the ground towards Gozuki and Mezuki.
The two experiments swung their weapons at the spikes as they approached, slicing or smashing right through them. Only for this to leave themselves open as Yūgao and a clone rushed them from behind, slashing Gozuki and Mezuki across the back with their swords. Making both of them grunt in pain before quickly turning around to attack, but were thrown back as both Yūgao's suddenly exploded, showing they were just clones.
With Kakashi seeing his chance as he looked at Gozuki and Mezuki while channeling more Chakra to his Sharingan, causing it to transform him to now resemble three triangles wrapping themselves around the pupil, similar to a pinwheel.
"Kamui!" Said Kakashi while focusing on the two experiments as a swirling distortion appeared between them, sucking Gozuki and Mezuki into it.
Both of them tried escaping the distortion, only to cry out in pain when Kakashi stopped his Jutsu right when their arms were pulled in, separating the arms that held their weapons from their bodies. With Yūgao and Yamato seeing this as their chance to finish them off. The purplette leaping into the air at Mezuki, swinging her sword and separating his head from his body.
"Wood Style: Cutting Jutsu!" Said Yamato, grabbing a wooden spear as it grew out of his palm and threw it at Gozuki, impaling the experiment before multiple wooden spikes burst out of his body.
Seeing the two were now dead, Kakashi quickly covered his Sharingan, panting slightly at having to use Kamui combined with all the Chakra he already used.
"Are you alright Kakashi-senpai?" Yamato asked as he and Yūgao approached the Copy Ninja, who nodded in response.
"I'm fine, nothing that some rest won't fix. Let's seal up these bodies to be studied as well, and then go find the Genin to make sure they're alright." Kakashi replied, with the two nodding as they went to seal away Gozuki's and Mezuki's bodies before taking off to where they could sense the Genin.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, Hinata, and Fū*
While with the Genin, they were now put on the defensive against Lycan and his Chakra Wolves, with Satsuki, Hinata and Fū having to deal with the wolves. While Naruto went against Lycan himself, giving them no chances to escape or assist the others without leaving themselves open to be attacked.
Naruto gritted his teeth as he tried pushing Lycan back with his katana, only for the wolf-like experiment to not budge an inch. Though managed to avoid his claws when he tried delivering another uppercut, giving Naruto the chance to quickly move to the side of Lycan. Making him stumble slightly from the sudden loss of leverage, before growling when Naruto slashed him across the arm.
The Uzumaki then tried jumping back, only to find himself stopped when Lycan grabbed him by the leg and slammed him down into the ground. Raising his sword again when Lycan moved to stab his claws into his chest, Naruto's attention turned towards the girls when he heard them cry out.
Looking only to see that Hinata had been bitten in the leg by one of the wolves, with this distracting Satsuki and Fū, leaving them open to attacked as well. With them now being pushed further and further back before the wolves were now circling them. The sight making Naruto's eyes widen, before glared at Lycan and slammed his foot into his chest pushing the experiment back.
Quickly getting up, Naruto went to go help the girls only to be stopped by Lycan again, with him tackling the Jinchūriki and pinning him to the ground. With Lycan unleashing a powerful sonic roar right at Naruto, making him cry out at the close-range vibrations hitting him. Which also got the girls attention and saw what was happening to Naruto, making their eyes widen. Though they didn't have time to try and help him, as the wolves leapt at them, forcing the three to keep fighting them off, but could feel themselves getting tired.
Gritting his teeth as he struggled to get Lycan off of him, Naruto caught sight of the girls being attacked by the wolves again, seeing how they were slowing down and receiving more injuries. The sight angering him even further as he glared at Lycan. Unaware as his eyes began glowing brightly with his pupils dilating, his nails extending into claws, his canines extending into fangs, and his ears becoming pointed.
The sudden transformation breaking Lycan's concentration for a moment, giving Naruto the opportunity to slam his head into the experiments, throwing Lycan off of him. Getting up, Naruto growled at Lycan before charging him, the wolf-like experiment doing the same as they both collided against each other. With Naruto slamming his fist into Lycan's muzzle before raising his arm to block his claws before grabbing his wrist and snapping it, making Lycan roar in pain.
Not stopping there, Naruto grabbed Lycan by his leg, lifting him up and slammed him into the ground before spinning him around and throwing him right through a tree. With the experiment dealt with for a moment, the Uzumaki rushed the Chakra Wolves, tackling one and actually managing to hurt it as he ripped its head off. Before turning his attention to the other two as they rushed him, only to be thrown back when Naruto roared at them, unleashing a purple concussive blast at both wolves that dispelled them.
With his appearance shocking the girls, but also relieved to see he's alright and dealt with the wolves. Only for them to turn their attention towards Lycan when he burst out of the trees, roaring loudly and charging at them. But before they could get ready to fight the experiment, Naruto rushed him and slammed into Lycan, knocking him back. Not stopping, Lycan went to attack Naruto only for the Uzumaki let out a sonic howl, roaring loudly as it threw Lycan back. The volume even forcing Satsuki, Hinata and Fū to cover their ears at how loud it was.
While Naruto kept roaring and hitting Lycan, pushing the wolf-like experiment further back until he was pinned against a tree. Once the whiskered ravenette finally stopped his attack, the girls were shocked when rather than try attacking, Lycan actually whimpered and lowered his head in submission.
"Did he just…make it submit?" Fū asked in disbelief, while Satsuki and Hinata slowly nodded.
"I guess he showed it who's the alpha." Stated Satsuki with a small smirk.
Though not a moment later Kakashi, Yamato, and Yūgao appeared, immediately wrapping Ninja Wire around Lycan before putting a seal on him to suppress his Chakra along with knocking the experiment unconscious.
"Are you all alright?" Kakashi asked while looking at his students and Fū before his attention turned to Naruto's appearance, something Yamato and Yūgao also noticed.
The two surprised at Naruto's appearance, thinking for a moment that it could be the Kyūbi's Chakra, only to not sense the Bijū's power. Making them wonder what could have caused the transformation, before Kakashi and Yamato wondered if it was the result of the mask that the Hokage had told them, merged with Naruto.
"Yeah, we're fine, a bit beaten up, but we're all fine." Replied Hinata as they approached the Jōnin with Naruto's features returning to normal at seeing the three were alright.
"Good, we've taken care of the other two experiments that ambushed us and are glad to see you four handled this one yourselves." Yūgao said, seeing that while they were injured and exhausted, they still lasted this long against one of these experiments, a really strong one if Gozuki and Mezuki were anything to go by.
"Even better that they're still alive, so Ibiki can see about getting some information out of them." Added Yamato as he and Kakashi grabbed the unconscious Lycan.
"Now let's head back to get some medical treatment and rest. Along with seeing what this one knows." Said Kakashi, with the others nodding in agreement before making their way back to the village with Lycan in tow.
Though unknown to the Ninja, they were being watched by someone from the shadows before the figure left.
*Later-Unknown Location*
The figure knelt before Ryujin, having just filled him in everything that happened with Gozuki and Mezuki having been killed, while Lycan had been captured. Something that now angered Ryujin, that two more of his followers were dead and another was captured. Likely to be interrogated for anything he knew, meaning it wouldn't be long before the Ninja located their base.
"It seems these Ninja are bigger threats than we anticipated, if they've now taken out half of our numbers. I suppose it's about time I started treating them seriously, and if they wish to find us then we'll let them. In fact, we'll personally head to their location, ourselves." Ryujin stated as he stood up, intending to launch a full on assault on the Ninja.
If they wish to continue impeding his plans, then he'll let them experience just who it is they're daring to stand against before ending their lives.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the backup is Ibiki, Yūgao, and Kabuto, the former to interrogate any experiments they capture and the latter acting as the Medical-Nin, as well as ensuring Konoha doesn't find out anything they shouldn't. Then we get a look at Ryujin and three more experiments Gozuki, Mezuki, and Lycan (Ryujin's appearance is based off of Skull Meister from the "Yugioh" card game, same with Gozuki and Mezuki being based off said cards, and Lycan being Lycanthrope) who are sent to deal with the Ninja. Before we see Team Seven, Yūgao, and Fū patrolling outside the village and setting up traps before they're attacked by the experiments, with Gozuki and Mezuki taking on the Jōnin while Lycan goes after the Genin, leading to some tough fights but Kakashi, Yamato, and Yūgao eventually succeed in taking Gozuki and Mezuki down. While Lycan is proving to be a serious challenge for the Genin, with them using traps, ambushes, and teamwork to fight him off until he regains the advantage and nearly takes them out, until Naruto has a partial transformation and shows Lycan who the real alpha is. Finally the Jōnin arrive and subdue Lycan so he can be taken back and interrogated, not knowing they were being watched by someone who reported to Ryujin who's no longer playing games and plans to launch an all-out assault. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out