Hey Everybody so before we get into the chapter I want to address something that people are not really understanding with the fight between Naruto and Muzan. Your right Naruto should have been able to once shot Muzan if he wanted to but he was trying to get information. Second The way Nakemi the Biwa demon blood art seems to transport someone instantly and the Infinity Castle itself is in a whole nother dimension. So saying that Muzan should not have been able to escape from Naruto because of Hiraishin is like saying oh why didn't Minato or the Second Hokage instantly use it to get to Obito when he was helping Naruto and Sasuke fight Kaguya at any point before Obito's Death. Haraishin doesn't, as far as I am aware, Doesn't allow people to cross entire dimensions or else having Naruto trying to find a way home would be pointless.
*Disclaimer* I do not own either Demon Slayer or Naruto. Demon Slayer Belongs to Koyoharu Gotouge and Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Please Support the Official release
"Talk"
'Thought'
Demon Slaying Shinobi
Chapter Three: The Man who desires to be God
Naruto darted through the forest, the branches blurred into streaks of green around him.
"You know it can't be him, Naruto," Kurama said within Naruto's mind as he clenched his fists.
"I know, Kurama," Naruto thought back, his mental voice determined despite the unease swirling within him. "But the thought of Madara being here..."
"It's unsettling," Kurama continued, his tone grave. "But we must stay focused. Whoever is behind this, they're dangerous."
Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, not just from the exertion of his sprint but from the mix of fear and determination fueling his every step. A rustling sound caught his attention, and he instinctively leaped into the air, landing on a higher branch to get a better vantage point.
Below, he noticed a young woman with a haori that reminded him of a monarch butterfly and the familiar uniform of the Demon Slayer Corps. She moved with an eerie grace, her presence both commanding and delicate.
'A Demon Slayer?' Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. 'What is she doing here?' he thought, his curiosity piqued.
"I don't know." Kurama said as the woman turned around and gave a very fake smile that reminded Naruto of Sai.
"Hello Demon-san, I can sense you know." The woman said in a kind and unsettling tone. "You might as well come out."
"I think she means us," Kurama said with a slight sweatdrop.
Naruto, knowing he had been spotted, decided to confront the situation head-on. He jumped down from the branch, landing softly on the forest floor, his face calm but wary. "I'm not a demon," he said clearly, trying to dispel any misunderstandings right from the start.
The woman tilted her head, her smile never faltering. "Oh, but you carry a demon's essence, do you not?" she asked, her eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
"Well…" Naruto attempted to answer before narrowly dodging a swipe from the woman's sword. "OI, I said I wasn't a DEMON DATTEBAYO!"
His voice echoed loudly through the trees, his exasperation clear. The woman paused, her sword still raised, confusion flickering across her face. "You're not?" she questioned, her stance still poised to strike. "You'll forgive me if I don't believe you Demon-san."
With that, the woman began attacking again, Naruto forced to dodge mostly due to the fact he did not want to hurt her.
As Naruto dodged another strike, he tried to find a way to de-escalate the situation. "Listen!" he shouted, as he nimbly avoided a particularly swift slash. "I'm a human, just like you!"
"Yeah, she is not gonna listen, Naruto." Kurama said, starting to get annoyed. Naruto sighed at that, gaining a serious expression before appearing behind the woman and chopping her neck, knocking her out.
As the woman crumpled gently to the ground, Naruto quickly caught her, ensuring she didn't get hurt from the fall. He laid her down softly, looking around to ensure they were alone. He then took a moment to assess the situation.
"I didn't want to do that," he murmured, both to Kurama and himself. "But we needed a moment to figure things out without fighting."
Naruto scanned the unconscious woman's face, noting the resolve that had marked her expressions. "She's strong and skilled. Hopefully, when she wakes up, we can talk without misunderstanding."
Kurama rumbled in agreement within his mind. "Just be ready in case she wakes up swinging."
Naruto nodded, sitting back on his heels as he watched over her. As he waited for her to wake up he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was, even though a minute ago she was trying to kill him a second ago.
"Well Might as well set up camp for the night," Naruto said with a slight sigh. "I think Mom would of killed me if I leave a girl like this on her own."
"Probably." Kurama simply stated as Naruto started collecting firewood for the night.
"My power appears weaker than before you revived me, friend," Madara said as he looked up at a young man about 19 with pale skin wearing a regal Samurai outfit with Lavender eye's flanked by an older woman about 24 with similar features but appeared to wear a traditional Yukata.
"Oh it will be fine." The Young man said with a smile on his face as he looked toward Madara with deceit in his eye.
"Shingen-sama, the chakra we sensed earlier has stopped moving." The woman said to the now Named Shingen, who just sighed.
"Well now I guess we will have to wait won't we Tomoe."
"Yes Shingen-sama."
Madara's brow furrowed, his gaze shifting between Shingen and Tomoe. "Waiting? For what?"
Shingen chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "For the right moment, Madara-sama. Patience is a virtue, even for someone as mighty as you."
Tomoe nodded in agreement, her expression calm yet observant. "Indeed, Shingen-sama. All will unfold in due time."
Madara narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but sensing no immediate threat, he reluctantly settled back, contemplating their words. "Very well. But remember, my strength must return swiftly if we are to face the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
As Shingen turned to leave, his silhouette framed by the dwindling light, he cast a final glance over his shoulder. "Consider this time to gather your strength, Madara-sama. You will need it."
Tomoe followed closely behind, her steps silent yet purposeful. "We shall ensure everything is in readiness," she added, her voice echoing slightly in the cool air.
As Shingen and Tomoe walked away, leaving Madara to his thoughts, a flicker of confusion passed between them, their conversation low but urgent.
"Nine-Tails Jinchūriki... What does he mean by that?" Tomoe whispered, her brows knitting together in puzzlement.
Shingen's expression was thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Madara's words. "It seems to be a key player in his plans, yet unfamiliar to us. We must investigate this further."
As morning broke, Kocho Shinobu started to stir groggily. She smelled something cooking, which seemed to relax her momentarily. Then, the events of the previous night flashed in her mind, and she sprang up with her sword drawn to see Naruto eating a fish, giving her a confused expression.
Naruto, with a mouthful of fish, blinked at her. "Good morning," he said, swallowing quickly. "I figured you might be hungry when you woke up. Caught a couple of fish for breakfast."
Shinobu kept her sword raised, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make sense of the situation. "You... knocked me out," she said cautiously, her grip on the hilt tightening.
"Yeah, sorry about that," Naruto admitted, scratching the back of his head. "You weren't really giving me a choice, and I didn't want to hurt you. I just needed to stop the fighting so we could talk."
She slowly lowered her sword, though her posture remained wary. "Talk, huh? You expect me to believe you after that?"
Naruto nodded earnestly. "Yes, I do. I know it was a rough start, but I'm not your enemy."
Shinobu watched him closely, weighing his words. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because I haven't given you a reason not to," Naruto replied simply. "I am standing here in the morning sun not burning up. If I were a demon I'd be good as fried right now."
Shinobu paused, considering his point. She glanced at the bright morning sun filtering through the trees, casting long shadows but not causing him any harm. "That's... a fair point," she admitted, lowering her sword completely but keeping it within reach.
Naruto smiled, relieved. "Well now since that's out of the way, mind telling me why you're here?"
Shinobu sheathed her sword, still cautious but more willing to talk. "I've been sent to investigate reports of increased demonic activity in this area. The patterns are unusual, and they suggest something more organized than typical demon behavior."
"It could be Madara, but if that is the case this girl would be no match for him." Kurama said.
Naruto mentally agreed with Kurama, but he kept his expression neutral. "I see…"
"What are you doing here if I might so kindly ask you?" Shinobu said, narrowing her eye's slightly. "You don't appear to be a member of the Demon Slayer Corp and you seem to have abilities similar to a demon, so what are you?"
Naruto took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "I'm a shinobi. I use a special energy that allows me to do things others can't. It's not demonic, just... different."
Shinobu's eyes widened slightly, but she remained composed. "A special energy? That's not something I've encountered before. But you're saying this energy is what gives you your abilities?"
Naruto nodded. "Yes, exactly. It's just a different kind of power, but it's not harmful or evil by nature. As to why I am here I am tracking someone down… Someone who needs to be stopped"
As Naruto gave a downtrodden look Shinobu gave a once over on him, noticing he was very handsome in a weird way.
"So, you're after someone dangerous?" Shinobu asked, her tone softening slightly.
Naruto nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, someone very dangerous."
"Then allow me to assist you." Shinobu said with a smile, that caused Naruto to choke on his food.
"Huh, no I can handle this. Besides, shouldn't you be looking for that demon you're after?" Naruto asked in a panicked way, causing Kurama to snicker as Naruto's face flushed red.
Shinobu tilted her head slightly, her smile widening. "I believe helping you might lead me to the source of the demonic activity I'm investigating. Plus, it seems like you could use some assistance."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, still blushing. "You're not gonna take no for an answer, are you?"
"No, I am afraid not," Shinobu continued to smile as Naruto sighed in annoyance.
"Alright, alright," Naruto conceded. "Let's work together then. Just try to keep up."
Shinobu's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I should be saying that to you."
"Naruto." Naruto said, suddenly catching Shinobu off guard.
"Huh?"
"My name... It's Uzumaki Naruto."
Shinobu's smile softened, and she nodded. "Uzumaki Naruto... It's nice to meet you. My name is Kocho Shinobu…"
"Shingen-sama," Tomoe said, gaining Shingen's attention yet again as the morning sun lingered overhead. "That chakra is on the move again, but at a slower pace now."
Shingen paused, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. "Interesting. It seems our mysterious chakra source is cautious. Perhaps they sense a trap."
Tomoe nodded, her gaze steady. "What shall we do, Shingen-sama?"
Shingen's lips curled into a smile, a mix of anticipation and cunning when suddenly a new dark voice called out. "We should use 'that' Demon's ability. It will help us give us the edge we need and, I have the perfect adversaries for our unwanted guests."
"Oh well, well looks like that black blob we found is useful after all, well then you creature go ahead." Shingen said with a vile smirk as a black blob slithered toward the ground and into a dark room.
"Shingen-sama, is keeping that thing wise?" Tomoe asked, looking at her charge.
Shingen's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and calculation. "Wise or not, it is a tool. And tools are meant to be used. If it can provide us an advantage, then it is worth the risk."
Suddenly they heard a yelp in pain coming from the destroyed castle. "Demon Blood Art: Hallowed Illusions of Memory."
After that the blob appeared in front of Shingen who gave it a smirk. "Well, are your adversaries ready?"
The blob twisted and writhed, its voice dripping with malevolent glee. "They are prepared. They will not disappoint."
Shingen nodded, his smile widening. "Excellent. Let us see how our cautious visitor handles this."
Tomoe watched the exchange, a mixture of concern and curiosity in her eyes. She trusted Shingen's judgment but couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air.
As Dusk seemed to draw near, Shinobu and Naruto came close to see what seemed like an abandoned castle.
'Madara is here.' Naruto thought, gaining a serious expression but seemed to notice something was off. 'His chakra… It seems different than before.'
"You're right, it seems to be even weaker than when he fought the First Hokage all those years ago." Kurama commented agreeing with Naruto's assessment.
Shinobu glanced at Naruto, noticing his change in demeanor. "Is this the place?" she asked quietly, her hand instinctively moving to her sword.
Naruto nodded, his eyes fixed on the castle. "Yeah, but something's off. I can't put my finger on it but I am also detecting the presence of a demon as well."
Shinobu's eyes narrowed. "A demon? We need to be extra cautious."
"Right, let's go." Naruto said as they began to approach the castle carefully, their senses on high alert. The air grew colder as they neared the entrance, an unsettling silence enveloping the area. Suddenly Naruto felt chakra of several familiar people as suddenly a white bird shot out, causing Naruto's eyes to widen in shock as he moved Shinobu aside as the bird hit the wall next to them exploding it.
"Damn it hmph, I missed Sasori my man." A voice called out Naruto knowing exactly who that voice belonged to.
"It can't be?" Naruto said getting up and looking up in shock at 5 people standing on top of the wall in a black coat with red clouds.
The figures stood there, their presence unmistakable. It was the Akatsuki.
"Deidara," Naruto muttered, recognizing the voice and the explosive bird. "And the others..."
The figures included Deidara, Sasori, Kakuzu, Kisame, and Hidan, each with a menacing aura. Shinobu's eyes widened at the sight of them.
"Akatsuki," Naruto said, his voice filled with determination. "What are you doing here?"
Deidara grinned. "Long time no see, Naruto. We're here for a little reunion."
Kakuzu's eyes, as calm and calculating as ever, met Naruto's. "We've been brought here for a purpose. It seems fate has other plans for us. As long as I get paid"
Kisame chuckled, his shark-like teeth glinting in the dim light. "Looks like we've got ourselves some fresh meat."
Sasori remained silent, his expression hidden behind his puppet body, while Hidan sneered, eager for bloodshed. "Finally, some action!"
Naruto's eyes narrowed, his resolve hardening. "Whatever you're planning, it ends here."
Shinobu, sensing the tension, readied her sword. "Naruto, who are these people?"
"They're a group of extremely dangerous rogue ninja. Each one of them is a high-level threat," Naruto explained quickly.
Deidara laughed. "Looks like you've picked up a new friend, Naruto. Too bad it won't make a difference."
Naruto clenched his fists, the determination in his eyes unwavering. "We'll see about that."
Kakuzu stepped forward, his eyes cold and calculating. "This should be interesting. Let's see if you're worth the trouble."
The Akatsuki members descended from the wall, their presence oppressive. Naruto and Shinobu braced themselves, knowing they were in for a fierce battle.
"How are you all here? All of you are dead." Naruto said pulling out 2 kunai.
"Don't know and I don't care." Hidan said with glee. "As long as I can please Jashin-sama then it's alright."
Naruto tightened his grip on the kunai, his gaze shifting between the Akatsuki members. "Whatever brought you back, it won't change the outcome. We will stop you."
Shinobu stepped forward, her eyes locked on the enemies before them. "Naruto, I'll cover you. Let's take them down."
With a nod, Naruto charged forward, his kunai ready. Shinobu followed, her sword gleaming in the fading light. The Akatsuki prepared to meet their attack, and the battle began with a fierce intensity.
Explosions and clashing steel filled the air as the two sides collided. Naruto's movements were swift and precise, his attacks relentless. Shinobu's agility and swordsmanship were unmatched, her strikes deadly.
Deidara sent more explosive birds towards them, but Naruto deflected them with his kunai, countering with a Rasengan that forced Deidara to dodge. Kakuzu launched a barrage of elemental attacks, but Shinobu evaded them gracefully, closing the distance to strike at his vulnerable points.
Kisame charged at Naruto, his Samehada swinging with brutal force. Naruto met him head-on, their blades clashing with sparks flying. Hidan, with his maniacal laughter, attempted to draw blood, but Shinobu intercepted him, her sword slicing through his scythe.
Sasori, controlling his puppet body with precision, tried to trap Naruto in a deadly web of chakra threads. Naruto, however, anticipated the move and broke free with a powerful surge of chakra.
"That Girl seems to be keeping up." Kurama said as Naruto sent 4 shadow clones to help Shinobu. "To be able to keep up not only one but four members of the Akatsuki, without chakra is no joke."
'I know but still, I can't use my full abilities while still protecting her though.' Naruto said his eye's narrowing.
Shinobu, unaware that Naruto was holding back, continued to fight fiercely. Her skills and agility allowed her to fend off multiple attacks, but she could sense the overwhelming power of their enemies.
As the battle raged on, Naruto realized they needed to end it quickly. He glanced at Shinobu, seeing her determination and strength. 'She's strong, but we need to finish this now.'
With a renewed resolve, Naruto created more shadow clones, each one ready to assist in the fight. "Shinobu, I'm going to create an opening. Be ready."
Shinobu nodded, focusing her energy. "Got it."
Naruto's clones launched a coordinated attack, overwhelming the Akatsuki members. Shinobu seized the opportunity, her movements a blur as she struck with precision and speed.
Deidara, Kakuzu, Kisame, and Hidan found themselves struggling against the relentless assault. Sasori's puppet body was dismantled piece by piece, his control waning.
Finally, with a powerful Rasengan, Naruto broke through Kisame's defenses, sending him crashing into the ground. Shinobu, with a swift and decisive strike, incapacitated Hidan, cutting his head off. Suddenly all the Members of the Akatsuki that were just there turned red and plopped into puddles of blood.
"The Hell?" Naruto said in surprise as Shinobu quickly gathered what had happened.
"They were the work of a Blood Demon Art, a powerful one at that." Shinobu said as she glanced towards Naruto.
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "A Blood Demon Art? That explains the demon presence I sensed earlier."
Shinobu nodded. "Yes, but whoever used it must be nearby. We need to be careful."
As they scanned the area, a chilling laughter echoed through the hall. A figure emerged from the shadows, a demon with a sinister grin on its face. "It has been awhile Uzumaki Naruto. How have you grown."
'That voice, but yet.' Naruto's eyes had narrowed looking at the demon. It sounded exactly like Madara but, at the sametime. 'He looks nothing like him…'
Naruto clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Who are you? You sound like Madara, but you're not him."
"I am Uchiha Madara, and now we can continue our dance before I take away the Nine-Tails from you." 'Madara' said with a smile, causing Shinobu to look at Naruto with confusion.
'Nine-Tails, what is this demon talking about?' Shinobu thought to herself but shrugged it off as she moved to attack, swiping at the demon with her sword only for the demon just to tilt his head out of the way with a smirk on his face.
"Nice try," the demon said mockingly. "But you'll need to do better than that."
Naruto, sensing the danger and the demon's power, quickly formed several shadow clones. "Shinobu, be careful. This guy is not to be underestimated."
Shinobu nodded, her eyes focused and determined. "Understood. Let's take him down together."
The demon chuckled, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "Come, show me what you've got, Uzumaki Naruto."
Naruto's clones charged forward, engaging the demon in a flurry of attacks. The demon moved with unnerving speed and agility, dodging and countering with ease. Shinobu, seizing the opportunity, aimed for the demon's blind spots, her strikes precise and lethal.
Despite their combined efforts, the demon seemed to enjoy the battle, his laughter echoing through the hall. "Is this all you have? Pathetic!"
Madara then slammed his arm into Shinobu knocking the wind out of her completely, then sent her flying as a blue ethereal skeleton appeared around him. Naruto swiftly using Haraishin grabbed her before she crashed into a tree.
"Damn it, please be alright." Naruto said laying Shinobu down and feeling for a pulse. "Thank goodness she's alive."
"Even still we need to get her to safety, Madara or not. This demon has all of his abilities, we cannot afford to hold back here Naruto!" Kurama shouted in his mind.
"I know Kurama." Naruto said as he formed a familiar hand symbol. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu"
Suddenly 5 Clones appeared around Naruto. "Get her to safety then start gathering sage chakra."
The clones nodded, gently picking up Shinobu and moving her to a safe distance. Naruto turned back to face the demon, his resolve steeling. "Alright, Madara. Let's end this."
The demon, shrouded in the ethereal blue skeleton of the Susano'o, smirked. "Let's see if you can, Naruto."
With more power, the ethereal skeleton became a large blue samurai with wings. As Naruto closed his eyes, his body lit up like he was on fire as a large ethereal form of Kurama appeared around him.
Madara's eyes glinted with amusement and anticipation. "So, you're finally taking this seriously, Uzumaki?"
Naruto's voice was steady, filled with determination. "I'm not holding back anymore."
Madara's Susanoo took the first move, unsheathing one of its swords and swinging it toward Naruto and Kurama. Kurama blocked the hit with its tail, the impact causing a shock wave that shook the ground.
Naruto gritted his teeth, feeling the immense power behind the strike. "Kurama, let's show him what we're made of!"
Kurama roared in agreement, its massive form brimming with chakra. With a swift movement, Kurama swiped its claw at the Susano'o, aiming to break through its defenses. Madara countered, the Susano'o's sword clashing against Kurama's claw, creating a burst of energy that lit up the battlefield.
"You think you can best me with brute force?" Madara taunted, his voice echoing through the chaos.
"Tailed Beast Rasenshuriken!" Naruto yelled out as Kurama Threw a Rasenshuriken with a tailed beast bomb at its center at the Susano'o.
The colossal attack whirled through the air, a devastating combination of Naruto's Rasenshuriken and Kurama's Tailed Beast Bomb. The energy radiating from the attack was immense, causing the very ground beneath them to tremble.
Madara's eyes widened for a brief moment before his expression turned into one of pure determination. The Susano'o raised its sword to block the incoming attack. The Rasenshuriken collided with the Susanoo's blade, and the resulting explosion of energy was blinding. The clash of forces created a shockwave that rippled outwards, shaking the foundations of the castle and tearing apart the surrounding landscape.
For a moment, everything was engulfed in a blinding light and deafening noise. Naruto and Kurama pushed forward, channeling all their strength into the attack. The Susanoo's blade began to crack under the immense pressure.
Madara gritted his teeth, pouring more of his chakra into the Susano'o, trying to hold back the overwhelming force. "You won't defeat me so easily!" he roared.
"This ends now." Naruto disappeared with a Yellow Flash causing Madara's Eyes to widen as he heard the sound of a Rasengan behind him. "Take this, Haraishin Rasengan."
Naruto's Rasengan, infused with the power of Sage Mode and Kurama's chakra, struck Madara with devastating force. The impact shattered the Susano'o, its pieces dissolving into the air as the Rasengan drilled into Madara's back.
Madara let out a scream of rage and pain as the Rasengan tore through him, his form flickering with instability. "This can't be...!"
With a final burst of energy, the Rasengan exploded, engulfing Madara in a brilliant flash of light. When the light faded, Madara's demonic form was no more, his essence disintegrating into nothingness.
Naruto looked around as he saw the entire area completely destroyed by his and Madara's fight. Suddenly he felt a chill up his back as he quickly turned around to see two people hovering in the air holding Shinobu by one arm.
"Well now I certainly was not expecting that, wouldn't you say Tomoe." The Young man who was holding Shinobu with one arm said with a evil smirk.
"Yes, Shingen-sama." Tomoe said in a Neutral tone.
"SHINOBU!" Naruto yelled out in shock, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of his captured friend.
Shingen's smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "It seems we have your attention now."
"Those eyes they're like…"
"Kaguya's…" Kurama said the recognition in his voice was clear.
Naruto's resolve hardened as he reactivated his Tailed Beast Cloak, the powerful aura enveloping him. Shingen looked at him with wonder, intrigued by the sudden surge of power.
"Oh I sense, Chakra in you… how is that I wonder." Shingen said as the Black Blob appeared behind him causing Naruto's eye to widen in shock.
"He is not of this world, he is of another that was visited by my mother. He is also the one to seal her away." The Blob said, gaining a familiar appearance.
Naruto's shock turned to realization. "Black Zetsu..." he muttered, recognizing the malevolent entity that had once orchestrated so much chaos.
Shingen's interest piqued further. "So, you are the one who defeated Big sister Kaguya. Huh Momoskiki and Kinshiki are certainly wasting their time looking for her then." His grip on Shinobu tightened as his eyes locked onto Naruto, the tension in the air palpable.
Naruto's eyes narrowed, his determination growing stronger. "Let Shinobu go, or you'll regret it."
"Oh such concern, for this demon slayer." Shingen said with a glee. "Could it be that you care about her hmmm."
Naruto's glare intensified, the power of his Tailed Beast Cloak flaring even brighter. "This is your last warning. Release her now."
"Oh and what will you do?" Shingen's voice lowered to a threatening tone causing Naruto to become off balanced.
'This Pressure, it's a hundred times more powerful than Kaguya's.' Naruto thought to himself as he tried to steady himself.
Shingen's smile widened as he saw Naruto struggle. "You see, power is relative. Even the greatest can be made to kneel under the right circumstances."
Tomoe observed silently, her expression unreadable, but her eyes keenly focused on the unfolding confrontation.
Naruto gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand firm. "I won't let you harm Shinobu. Whatever it takes, I'll stop you."
Shingen laughed, the sound cold and mocking. "Bold words, but words alone will not save her."
Naruto's hands tightened into fists as he prepared to charge. "Then I'll just have to show you then."
Just as Naruto was about to launch himself at Shingen, Black Zetsu's voice interrupted. "Careful, Naruto. Any rash move and your friend here might suffer the consequences."
Naruto paused, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
Shingen's smirk remained. "Good. You're learning. Now, let's see how well you can perform under pressure."
Shingen tosses Shinobu to Tomoe but instantly appears in front of Naruto punching him in the gut sending him flying. Naruto crashed into the ground, skidding and leaving a trail of destruction. He quickly got back on his feet, his Tailed Beast Cloak flaring brightly. "I won't let you win!" he shouted, launching himself at Shingen with incredible speed.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto's voice echoed as dozens of clones materialized around him, all charging at Shingen simultaneously.
Shingen's eyes sparkled with amusement as he effortlessly dodged the clones, weaving through their attacks with inhuman agility. "Is this all you've got?" he taunted, easily dispelling the clones with a wave of his hand.
Naruto formed a massive Rasengan in his hand, its swirling energy crackling with power. "Take this! Rasengan!" He aimed the powerful attack at Shingen, but Shingen merely smirked, raising a single hand to block it.
With a flick of his wrist, Shingen deflected the Rasengan, sending it careening into the distance where it exploded harmlessly. "Impressive, but not enough," he said coldly.
Naruto didn't relent. He summoned the power of all the Tailed Beasts within him, creating a massive Tailed Beast Ball. "This ends now!" he roared, hurling the enormous sphere of destructive energy at Shingen.
Shingen's expression remained unchanged as he raised his hand, absorbing the Tailed Beast Ball's energy into his palm. "You still don't understand, do you? Your power is nothing compared to mine."
Desperation crept into Naruto's eyes as he switched tactics. "Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken!" He threw the deadly wind-based shuriken at Shingen, but Shingen merely waved his hand, creating a barrier that nullified the attack.
Shingen moved faster than Naruto could react, appearing behind him and delivering a brutal kick to his back. Naruto was sent sprawling, coughing up blood as he struggled to stand.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Naruto desperately unleashed a massive fireball, but Shingen countered with a blast of water, extinguishing the flames effortlessly.
"Earth Style: Mud Wall!" Naruto tried to create a barrier, but Shingen shattered it with a single punch, the debris scattering around them.
Naruto's breaths came in ragged gasps as he summoned his last reserves of strength. "This is my final move... Sage Art: Super Tailed Beast Rasenshuriken!" He combined his Sage Mode with his Tailed Beast powers, creating an immense, spiraling shuriken of energy.
Shingen's eyes widened slightly, acknowledging the power of the attack. But as the Rasenshuriken hurtled towards him, he raised both hands, forming a complex series of hand seals. "Ōtsutsuki Secret Art: Infinite Void."
A black void opened in front of Shingen, swallowing Naruto's ultimate attack whole. The Rasenshuriken disappeared into the abyss, leaving Naruto stunned and defenseless.
Shingen closed the void and descended, landing softly in front of Naruto. "You fought well, but it was futile from the beginning."
Naruto collapsed to his knees, unable to muster any more strength. Shingen stood over him, victorious, his power and dominance undeniable.
"You know part of me really wants to snuff your little human life now… but…" Shingen explained, gaining a devilish smirk. "I really want you and the other guy Zetsu was talking about to fight me to see how I compare to my ever so lovely big sister you two sealed away."
Naruto's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "Sasuke...?"
Shingen laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "Ah, so that is his name… Well I know he is in your Dimension so I know you don't have the ability to go get him… But since it's a fair assumption he is looking for you, it's better I give you a consolation prize. Tomoe."
Tomoe nodded and tossed Shinobu down. Naruto, barely able to catch her due to the damage he received, stumbled but managed to hold onto her. His eyes were filled with a mix of relief and fury as he looked back up at Shingen.
Shingen's smirk deepened. "Consider this a temporary truce, Uzumaki Naruto. See Ya." With that, Shingen and Tomoe vanished, leaving Naruto to tend to Shinobu.
"Damn it…" Naruto cried out as he struggled to stay awake.
"Stay awake… Naruto… Stay AWAKE." Kurama said as Naruto blacked out, still holding on to Shinobu.
"Shingen-sama?" Tomoe asked as she and Shingen stepped out of a void. "Was it a good idea to leave that boy alive?"
Shingen chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, absolutely, Tomoe. Letting him live will make things far more interesting. Besides, the real fun begins when he brings his friend Sasuke into the fray."
Tomoe nodded, though her expression remained neutral. "As you wish, Shingen-sama. I only hope this does not come back to haunt us."
Shingen's smirk widened. "Let them try. In the meantime let him run around and try to hunt down Muzan, it will make it, oh much more fun… before the main attraction begins."
As Shingen looked down, a Ten-Tails roared out, causing him to start cackling with glee.
Shinobu woke up, grabbing her head as it throbbed in pain. She looked around at the devastation surrounding her, the aftermath of a fierce battle evident in the scorched earth and shattered landscape. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the scene, and she spotted Naruto lying nearby, still unconscious but breathing steadily.
"Naruto..." she whispered, her voice hoarse and strained. She tried to stand but stumbled, her body still weak from the ordeal.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to her feet and staggered over to Naruto. She gently shook his shoulder, trying to rouse him. "Naruto, wake up. We need to get out of here."
"CAW!" A Kusagai crow flew overhead, landing on Shinobu's shoulder. Its presence startled her for a moment before it began to speak.
"Attention, Uzumaki Naruto needs to be brought to safety immediately," the crow cawed, its message clear and urgent. "Demon Slayer Corps has been alerted. Reinforcements are on the way."
Shinobu's eyes widened in surprise, but relief washed over her. She knew they couldn't stay here much longer, and help was on the way. She looked down at Naruto just realizing how much her old personality was brought to the surface.
With a determined look, she nodded to herself. "We'll be okay, Naruto. Help is coming." She gently lifted him, supporting his weight as best as she could, and began to move towards safety. The crow took off, guiding her path as she carried Naruto away from the battlefield.
She soon saw several Kakushi support members of the Demon Slayer Corps running up to the pair.
"Shinobu-sama, are you alright?" one of the Kakushi asked as they reached her. Shinobu then regained her composed and friendly demeanor.
"Yes, I'm alright. Please, help me get this man to safety," she replied, her voice steady and reassuring. The Kakushi quickly moved to assist, carefully lifting Naruto and ensuring both he and Shinobu were taken to a secure location to recover.
It's been two weeks since Shinobu and Naruto arrived at the Butterfly Mansion. Shinobu, fortunately, only received minor injuries from the blow inflicted by the demon. Her recovery was swift, thanks to the care and expertise of the healers at the mansion.
Naruto, however, was a different story. His injuries were severe, the result of the intense battle he had fought with Shingen and 'Madara'. Even though traditional medicine seemed to be working, his body seemed to be slowly healing itself. Despite their efforts, Naruto remained unconscious for several days, his body fighting to heal from the damage.
During this time, Shinobu stayed by his side, her concern for him growing each day. She couldn't help but replay the events of the battle in her mind, wondering what more she could have done to prevent his suffering. Her old personality, the one she thought she had left behind, had resurfaced during the ordeal, filling her with a mix of determination and guilt, but one thought came to mind as she looked at the blond.
'What did the Demon mean when he said he was gonna steal the Nine-tails?' Shinobu thought slightly, caressing Naruto's hand until she heard a familiar squawk of a crow.
"CAW!" The Kusagai crow landed nearby, its presence breaking her reverie. The crow delivered its message with urgency, its voice echoing in the room.
"Attention, Demon spotted at Mount Natagumo, there are many casualties Hashara are needed…." the Crow said as Shinobu listened intently…
AND chapter done. So let's talk about the Big Ol' elephant in the room. Madara not actually being Madara, to explain the demon that Naruto fought had a blood demon art to harness someone Memories and give them form, so Shingen, now the Big Bad of the story, used Black Zetsu to transform the demon into Madara making him think he is the genuine article. Hence why those members of the Akatsuki came back because they were memories supplied by Zetsu. As for Shingen I came up with the mix of Urashiki and Loki because Shingen can actually translate to God of Illusion. I had originally was gonna have Madara be the big bad but after reading some of your guys' reviews and honestly looking at this objectively I felt this is the best course cause otherwise I would just be writing a weird fanfiction similar to One Punch Man.