(Chapter 47: Finals Prep: Part 1)
The 1st week of Preparations for the Chunin Exams Finals had begun as the Village and all those in attendance within it, were excited to see what would transpire as all 12 participants would soon battle it out to earn a chance at promotions for the Rank of Chunin. Yet the underlying tension of plots, negative emotions, and etc could be felt between the overwhelming animosity between Toshiro and Naruto, as well that of Jiraiya having come to terms with the fact that Orochimaru was walking scot-free in Konoha; while training Toshiro to be ready to face Naruto.
(June 18th, 998 S.E, 1:35 Pm, Training Ground 7)
It would be a bit into the early afternoon as Sakura had finished training oddly enough with Neji; who decided to help her eviscerate Hinata in the Chunin Exams Finals, given that Neji as with most of his clan wasn't the biggest fan of Hinata being set up to be the clan head and as such any chance to derail that was one he was all too eager to take on.
"Thanks a ton for helping me prep against, Hinata. I really do appreciate it." Sakura said to the Byakugan wielder
"Considering that my options at the moment are, assisting you in defeating Hinata, or take the risk of her getting the promotion to Chunin. Which will doom our clan too mediocrity and certain doom under a lackluster leader…I think I will take the option that guarantees that are clan is not led by someone who has the backbone of a slug." Neji spoke as Sakura passed Neji a water bottle
"Not to mention her being stuck with a psychopath who has a living bomb inside him…Is your clan really that desperate, that they would rather have a living doormat whose dating a potential rogue ninja? Because, if that's the case, then they are gonna need to reevaluate their options; if she's as good as it gets." Sakura asked wondering why Hinata was so keyed in to be made clan leader
"Not to mention she isn't all that strong, to begin with. I mean shit, Kurenai hasn't even done fuck all for her team. Just look at what that Suyin chick did to Kiba…downright obliterated his sorry ass." Sakura added regarding Kurenai's lackluster tutelage of her genin
"...Unfortunately, my uncle is keen on making sure that Hinata remains as our future clan leader. Despite the protests of Hanabi and many of the others being against it. He is still remains dead-set on following through with this nonsensical idea." Neji said as he opened up his water bottle
"But he does know that she's 2 steps away from being cannon fodder right? As I would understand if she was actually strong enough to hang with people like you, Lee, Sasuke, or Choji. But she's pretty much the most ain't shit person in our generation besides Ino…The only reason why she didn't get obliterated during the preliminaries, was because she got matched up with Ino." Sakura questioned in not seeing why Hiashi would be standing 10 toes deep for Hinata to become a Clan Head when she was so weak
"I along with others of my clan, have the feeling that he does know of her blatant weakness as a shinobi. However, his pride will not allow him to admit that he's raised a weakling in my cousin…So that, and his odd desire to to honor my aunt and Lady Hanabi's mother's dying wish; has served as the reason why Hinata has essentially skated by with her weakness." Neji spoke with underlying disgust towards his uncle
"Well, lucky for you and Hanabi. I'm gonna annihilate her, and make Toshiro look like a bitch for having someone that weak on his shoulder…Honestly, it shouldn't be too hard to do; when I think about it." Sakura replied keen on putting on an absolute clinic against Hinata
"Whatever you do to Hinata, I wish you the best of luck. Meanwhile, I have to face that giant of an Akimichi in the finals…Which will prove interesting to say the least." Neji spoke knowing he'd have his work cut out for him against Choji
"I'm sure your gonna find some way to pull off a win against him. Its just a matter of not getting hit by any power shots he throws at you. From there, you shouldn't have much problems taking him down." Sakura said back in seeing it as simple as swatting a fly
"Aren't all of his attacks power-based?" Neji questioned knowing how much Choji favored immense brute strength in his fighting style
"Well, yes. But still, just don't get hit by his attacks and you should be fine." Sakura answered with a shrug of her shoulders
"We shall see in a months' time. For now, however, I say we continue training to bolster my chances at a promotion…While my offensive is more than sufficient to help overcome him, my ability to endure exchanges against someone with strength as outrageous as his; leaves much to be desired." Neji spoke knowing that in order to survive being in a fight with Choji that he needed to train in how to endure slugging matches
"Luckily for you, slugging matches are my specialty!" Sakura said with pride at her ability come out on top when it came to trading shots
"I will give you credit where credit is due. Your ability to not only survive; but flourish under deadly exchanges in taijutsu, is almost 2nd to none." Neji replied knowing full well that her ability to do so was borderline unmatched
"What can I say, I like to make sure that when I fight. That I can make sure to take the other guy into deep waters, and force him to play it my way. While at that same time, punishing him for it by drowning him with pure pressure and aggression till they can't take it anymore." Sakura said back with a sinister grin on her face
"And it is those talents, that have me interested in hiring you for a job I have in mind." Came the sound of Hanabi's voice approaching them
"L-Lady Hanabi, what are you doing here?" Neji questioned surprised to see his cousin
"Simple, Neji. I require an audience with Sakura here; in private. That is if you wouldn't mind?" Hanabi requested from her cousin and the pink-haired brawler
"Well, we are done training for the day; so I'm fine with giving Hanabi a listen for whatever she wants…What about you, Neji? Are you good with me talking to her for a bit?" Sakura asked the prodigal Hyuga
"I am fine with it…There will be more opportunities to train with each other, until the day of the Finals. As such one day won't hurt." Neji said as he got up too take his leave
"I will see you at the compound then." Neji spoke before disappearing via Flame Shunshin
"...Sooo, what can I do for you, Hanabi?" Sakura questioned her brothers partner
"What I want you to do for me, will benefit the both of us; given that it concerns my sister...Who has continued to be an issue that I wish dealt with, and discreetly no less." Hanabi answered back as Sakura was now incredibly interested in what Hanabi had to say
"Alright, now you've REALLY got my attention…So what do you want me to do?" Sakura asked as she took a large gulp from her water bottle
"To put it quite simply, I want you to break Hinata when you fight her during the Exams" Hanabi answered with utmost seriousness in her voice
"I already planned on doing that when I was gonna fight her. I'm telling you right now, that fight is gonna be a fucking clinic." Sakura replied with a pugnacious grin
"While I have no doubts about your ability to do so. I don't think I made my point clear enough, so allow me to rephrase it…I want you break Hinata so completely that even if she were healed by Lady Tsunade herself, that she would never be able to become a shinobi for the rest of her days." Hanabi told Sakura
"Damn, you really want her out of the picture don't you?" Sakura said a bit surprised that Hanabi wanted her to dish out that much damage
"...Listen, while I do care for Hinata. At the same time, I cannot allow her by any means to become the future leader of our clan. Therefore, I am willing to pay you your weights worth in money to permanently debilitate her; to the point where not even my father can argue her placement as clan heir. I refuse to allow my weak-willed sister to lead our clan down a path of ruin and mediocrity, because my father wants to honor the wishes of a dead woman I or my sister barely knew." Hanabi replied absolutely stone cold in doing whatever it took to ensure that Hinata wouldn't lay claim to her future as clan head
Hanabi would do whatever it took to ensure the safety and longevity of her clan and loved ones, and as such if it meant that she had to make sure that Hinata would never walk again, then so be it as she was determined to lead her clan on any path but the one too mediocrity that Hinata would no doubt lead it towards. In addition a more spiteful part of her wanted this too happen in order to spit in the face of her father for continuing to choose someone so weak, spineless, and wrapped around the finger of the Hokage's psychopathic son in Toshiro; who constantly denied her her birthright for years for asinine reason after asinine reason.
"Alright, I'll do it for you no problem. If anything you can just pay me as much as you would for a B or A-rank mission; for this stuff." Sakura told Hanabi who was surprised to hear Sakura turn down the payday of a lifetime
"To be quite honest, I am shocked to hear you lower the price you were willing to do this for…Alongside, your willingness to do so." Hanabi spoke as Sakura continued to drink her water
"Here's the thing, Hanabi. I'm doing this because for starters your with my little brother, and with how long you guys have been going steady for. I don't feel right charging that much for a job this easy. So consider it a family discount for making my brother so happy" Sakura replied in not feeling right about charging Naruto's partner so much money for an easy lick
"…Second reason is, I just straight up don't like your sister or her bitch-ass sensei for having 'trained' a trio of weaklings. I mean shit after the catastrophe that Kiba went through, and your sister barely skating by Ino…I really wanna embarrass her off the strength of that alone. Because, I'm not about to allow that spineless skank and that blackout-drunk bitch to get off with a quick pummeling; when I can do them both that much dirtier. So count me in for tearing your sister a new one." Sakura further spoke in wanting to eviscerate/embarass Hinata and by proxy Kurenai for being so deplorable and making a mockery of her profession
"I am glad that you are willing to do this for me, and as such; thank you for your co-operation." Hanabi said with a thankful bow
"Not a problem at all. Just make sure to pay me for this after the finals are over. You do that and we are golden for everything else." Sakura replied as her one stipulation for all of this
"I will have your payment ready in full once everything has been dealt with…You have my word on that." Hanabi promised Sakura
"Good, now if you don't mind I'm gonna grab some lunch at Ichiraku's, since I'm starving…You're welcome to join me if you want?" Sakura said as she kipped up to her feet
"That sounds rather nice. I'd love too." Hanabi said before Sakura and her headed off to the ramen joint
'I just hope Naruto's gonna be ok. Whatever he's doing can't be all that bad.' Sakura said to herself as she and Hanabi continued to go on their way
(The next day, 1:45 Pm, Senju Hospital, June 19th, 998 S.E)
Meanwhile, Tsunade was giving Minato and Kushina the prognosis on Mizore's current state after her 'fight' against Naruto and suffice it to say it wasn't a positive one all thigns considered
"I don't know what else to tell you two…But with how bad things are for her, it may be best to just cut her out of the shinobi program altogether." Tsunade told the two about the state of Mizore
"...Honestly, if it wasn't for having half of the 9 tails inside of her. She would have been a vegetable on arrival at best, and having an open-casket funeral at worst." Tsunade further spoke knowing that there was no real way to sugarcoat things
"Is she still going to live? I know that Naruto hurt her pretty bad, but is she going to be fine?" Kushina asked in motherly concern
"She'll live, but honestly it is gonna be a hell of a road for her recovery. Those injuries Naruto gave her when I reviewed the footage to know what I was working with, were pretty extensive…Hell, the fact that he nearly punched a Jinchuriki cloak out of her should say it all. But to say the very least, I will give you a list of her most extensive injuries...That is if you two want to hear them?" Tsunade answered back
"Please proceed, Tsunade. We should know at the very least the severity of what has happened." Minato spoke
"Very well. First things first, the bones in both her lower legs along with those in her spine were shattered to the point; that even with the fox assisting with the healing process; that it would take 10 to 15 months of physical therapy to fully recover. Her collarbone and left shoulder were broken and dislocated from their socket, and damn near torn out of it…She's been put on a respirator due to Naruto shattering over half of her ribs, and having 4 of them puncture her lungs. Then there's the fact that whatever poison Naruto pumped into her did a good chunk of immediate nerve and organ damage to her…So much that she may never wield a sword or see straight ever again." Tsunade replied as she listed off the most grievous injuries
"How bad is the poison in her system Tsunade, " Minato questioned
"To put it simply, while we extracted as much as we could out of her system. However, what damage it did to her was unlike anything I encountered before. Hell, even the 9-tails is struggling with it…But to put it simply she has gone completely blind in her right eye and has lost a 3rd of the vision in her left eye. In addition to that, we did have to replace her kidneys due to the poison in her system having completely destroyed that and hit her lungs and parts of her heart as well. Then the fact that the poison in her left arm has fried most of the nerves in her left arm completely, making holding anything much less holding a sword or using hand signs a nightmare." Tsunade answered back as the faces of Minato and Kushina grew all the more grave upon hearing this news
"Honestly, with how much damage Naruto did to her. It looks like he wanted to kill her, but seeing as how the Chunin Exams rules prevent outright murder. Then I would say based on these injuries, which are some of the most extensive I've seen to date. That I would say that he did so much internal and external damage to her; that he saw it as a matter of 'if I can't kill you then I'll kill your chances of being a shinobi'...To be honest he did a damn good job of attempting it." Tsunade said knowing damn well that if it weren't for the fact that Naruto wasn't allowed to kill that they'd be having a closed-casket funeral for Mizore right now
Something that by the state of Mizore nearly being in a full-body cast and on a respirator, alongside injuries that even the 9-tails was having trouble with; Tsunade knew for a fact that punishment like that didn't come from out of nowhere. Which was why she honestly couldn't or rather knew full well that Naruto's inflicting that much damage upon MIzore was to be expected from how much he outright hated her and his brother.
"I-I...Please help my daughter, Tsunade. I know we've messed up with her a lot, but please do the best you can to heal her." Kushina pleaded with the Slug Sannin
"...I will do the best I can, but it won't be easy. Especially, since she is also going to need facial reconstruction surgery; from Naruto trying to cave skull in…Honestly, I will be surprised if she doesn't have permanent brain damage from those punches he landed on her." Tsunade replied to the Uzumaki matriarch
"Thank you." Was Kushina's only reply
"If I may, I'd like to speak to Minato alone for a few minutes; about what to do with Mizore going forward." Tsunade requested as Kushina nodded before leaving the hospital
"I know what you are going to say, and to be honest I think it would be best for everyone if she was suspended as well." Minato spoke knowing where this conversation was going
"Glad you see it that way, Minato. Too be honest all of her actions this far, have were going to lead up to this one way or another. As day in and day out of her constantly derriding Naruto as being lesser and stomping all over his dreams, on top of being a condescending little shit…Its enough to make any normal person see red, but when it's you're own blood that's doing it; then I am honestly surprised that he didn't do anything worse to her." Tsunade said knowing full well that Naruto was well within his emotional state to put her through hell after years of emotional abuse from her
"Besides, Minato…Can you honestly say that after what he did to her, that things won't get infintey worse; if she is allowed to wear that headband again? If she was already like this beforehand, what do you think she is going to be like if and I truly do mean if she makes a full recovery?" Tsunade questioned
"I cannot say for certain, but I do know that it will be nothing short of disastrous." Was Minato's answer
"Exactly. This is why after she recovers, that she needs to be put on probation and around-the-clock watch afterwards…for how long I don't know. But what I do know is that she is going to be much, much worse than what she already is." Tsunade spoke knowing full well that when Mizore recovered she was going to be much much worse
"I understand, and the moment she has recovered and is stripped of rank until further notice. I will have Anbu watching her around the clock. The very last thing I need is for her to cause chaos in the village, because she feels that she was upstaged by Naruto." Minato replied knowing that his daughters' pride wouldn't stand for this in any capacity
"It is all the more reason on why I should worry about what Naruto will do to Toshiro…Despite, how much of an unhinged monster he has become in recent months. Call it a parents' worry and love, but even still I cannot help but fear for what will come of it, and that Naruto may end up killing him…Not that I could blame him if he did so." Minato spoke having heard more than enough from Kazushi and Kakashi informed him that one way or another the fight between both brothers would end in blood
"The only thing I can tell you right now, Minato. Is that at best Naruto very well may beat him until he's a vegetable, as after everything that monster has done to him. It is going to be by the grace of God that he doesn't end up in a wheelchair for the rest of his life." Tsunade told the blonde Hokage
"...And what of the worst case scenario?" Minato asked almost nervous to want to know what the answer would be
"The worst case…The worst case is that you and Kushina both; are going to have to find a mortician in the village who will do closed-casket funerals. If there is one thing that I know about Naruto, it is that he is going to do to Toshiro tenfold worse; what he did to Mizore. So if I were you, I'd pray that whatever Jiraiya is gonna teach him over the next month will be enough. Otherwise, you're going to be burying Toshiro once the finals are over." Tsunade answered back with the bluntness of a 10-ton hammer to the nuts
"...Thank you for your rather…honest answer…In the meantime, I will be leaving to make sure that everything is set for the Finals. The last thing I need is for something to go horribly wrong." Minato said with an exhausted sigh
"Good luck then, as knowing how things have been for you recently. You're going to need it." Tsunade said as Minato teleported off and away
However, whilst Tsunade was making her rounds and Minato making sure that everything was going well for the preparations for the Chunin Exams finals, the broken and half-blind form of Mizore wrapped in casts and bandages could only lay seething in her hospital bed. All the while the phantasmal apparition of the 9-tailed fox sat amused at how far their host had fallen, taking a dark delight in seeing them rendered down to a broken shell of their physical form.
"You know something. I had always thought that karma was highly overrated, as you arrogant monkeys always threw it about as a sort of ego boost, or something to use when your conscience got wounded…But this, this is nothing if not karmic justice for your idiocy and arrogance, and I am loving every second of it." Yang Kurama spoke with a delighted grin at seeing Mizore
"I don't need you laughing at me, you stupid fox. It is already bad enough that I got robbed of my chance to make Chunin. But now I look hideous, both my legs are shattered, and I'm nearly blind because of HIM! So stop mocking me and fix my body already!" Mizore ordered of the spectral apparition
"And why would I do that? All you've ever done is be a spoiled, self-centered cunt, that thinks she's the hottest shit since Hashirama…At least that idealistic idiot had the common decency to be strong enough to earn my respect. Meanwhile, I'm stuck with the weakest excuse for a host I have ever had the displeasure of being trapped in." Yang Kurama shot back in refusal to do anything but the barest minimum for this loathsome monkey and even that was pushing it
"I am not weak! It's not my fault that Naruto cheated with all those weird techniques he had. If you just gave me more power like you should have, then I wouldn't be here to begin with!" Mizore heatedly responded
"Even if I gave you 5 or even 6 tails of my chakra, you still would have lost. Hell, I could've given you all 9 tails worth of my power, and it still wouldn't have helped. Zero times 1,000 is still zero you idiot." Yang Kurama retorted regarding his hosts weakness
"Besides, he didn't cheat to begin with. He just had more power and skill than you is all, and the fact that you can't admit that. But would instead have the nerve to say he cheated, than admit to your own weakness is disgusting. Hell, I'd pity you if you didn't have the personality of a rabies-infested rat…How you think you can be Hokage is beyond me." Yang Kurama further spoke in disdain for Mizore's overblown ego
"I will become Hokage! That title will be mine someday, and I'm going to become strong enough to get it no matter what it takes!" Mizore yelled back before clutching at her sundered ribs
"Yes, the broken princess who couldn't even make her 'inferior' brother try in combat. Who was absolutely and completely obliterated, like it was child's play is going to make it to the level of Hokage? Spare me the semantics, the chances of that happening are as great as my escaping from this damnable seal and living in paradise." Yang Kurama replied with a mocking growl in his voice
"Let's face it everyone on your brothers' team has you outclassed. The Uchiha is clearly your better at swordplay even without those cursed eyes of his. The pink-haired girl outclasses you in not just close quarters, but in speed, strength, endurance, and nearly every physical category alone…Then there's your brother himself who…well he already made a fool of the 'future 5th Hokage' and rightfully so. All you are compared to everyone in your generation in a spoiled brat who got this far because of nepotism and my power, and not by anything less than that." Yang Kurama added with their derisively mocking grin growing all the wider as Mizore grew more and more irate those words
"Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! That's not true, they aren't better than me at all! All they did was stop me from being as great as I was meant to be. All I need to do is make my recovery, and then I'll remind them and everyone else in the village where they are... beneath ME! Then everyone and Naruto will know that I'm supposed to be the one being praised, that I am the one who is eant to be honored and no one else but me will become Hokage! Do you hear me you stupid fucking fox, I will become the 5th HOKAGE!" Mizore screeched in a combination of anger, wounded pride, and almost delusional egoism
"Even if you do make your miraculous recovery, and that is a massive if. Given that I have seen war amputees make swifter recoveries than you...which given your state may happen if your arms are an indicator. You will nonetheless, still be weaker than everyone else…Not to mention that's even if after all of your screw-ups' and all of your actions in being a spoiled brat. That you even continue to have that headband for any longer." Yang Kurama countered unfazed by his hosts ramblings
"They wouldn't dare take it away from me. It's mine, do you hear me, its mine, all MINE and I deserve it more than anyone!" Mizore yelled back
'I swear its almost like arguing with a 8-year-old…Scratch that an 8-year-old wouldn't be as delusional as she is.' Yang Kurama remarked to themselves
"Sure you do, just like I deserve to run free again alongside my siblings again. But just like your dreams of being Hokage, much less your insane belief that you will surpass Naruto. It will never happen in this lifetime…So if anything you should get used to your new reality in being lesser than Naurot. Everyone in the village already has accepted it, so have fun being known as a footnote in his history." Yang Kurama responded before disappearing as a furious Mizore threw her lunch tray at where the apparition once was
"Stop lying! He'll never be better than me, do you hear me you rotten stupid fox! Naruto will never, ever be better than me no matter what he does! I will ALWAYS be greater than him! And once I get out of this stupid hospital, I show the entire village that their future Hokage is greater than him and all of his stupid friend!" Mizore howled in a psychotic fit of rage
'I really should thank that Naruto kid, as this is the best source of entertainment I have had in ages…Who would have thought that losing one little match, would drive her this crazy.' Yang Kurama said to himself as he couldn't help but watch on in delight as Mizore raved and screamed about how she'd prove herself one day greater than Naruto
(2 days later, Mt. Myoboku, 2:10 Pm, June 21st, 998 S.E)
On the otherside of things at Mt. Myoboku; Jiraiya was watching on alongside Fukusaku as Toshiro trained to master the art of Senjutsu; which was far easier said than done given the corrupted natural chakra in the area.
"How is the boy coming along with his senjutsu training, Jiraiya-boy?" Fukusaku questioned the Toad Sage who sighed
"As talented as the boy is, and he has been making progress and a lot of it. I still have my concerns on how the chakra here is going to affect him and the seal." Jiraiya answered back still having some reservations of Toshiro training in this environment
"It may not be the most pleasant or ideal of places to work on his training. But it is the best, if you want him to stand a chance against his brother." Fukusaku spoke
"Especially, when the bad blood between this is so strong it could crack a mountain in half…I swear a more caustic relationship between brothers hasn't been seen since the children of the Sage of Six Paths." Fujkusaku remarked in the level of toxicity between Naruto and Toshiro as brothers
"At least with them we weren't dealing with someone who could break the world like a little kid tossing a pile of building block around…That isn't even counting those monsters he can summon at the drop of a hat. I swear Pa this whole thing with Naruto gives me the creeps." Jiraiya said with a naked sense of fear over the possibility of what Naruto could and would become
Granted Jiraiya wasn't a sensor by no means, but the sheer amount of pressure that Naruto continuously emitted in just his resting state was unreal to the point that it dwarfed Minato's and his sensei's combined…hell the battle against the 7 tails jinchuuriki solidified his thoughts of Naruto being a monster when the battle barely even winded him. Then the fact that on top of the powers he wielded were enough to cause natural disasters on a whim, was the fact that he also had access to other summons that wielded power so terrifying that it made Hanzo look like a worm by comparison.
"You are not the only one who shares that sentiment Jiraiya-boy. After those…monsters gave their 'warning' to us to no longer meddle in his affairs. Things haven't been easy for us at all." Fukusaku remarked regarding the horrid blight that hard ravaged their home
"I'm going to go out on a limb here, and say that it hsn't gotten any better?" Jiraiya guessed as Fukusaku nodded downtrodden at the events
"If things have improved, then these old eyes must not be seeing things right." Fukusaku replied
"Honestly, Jiraiya-boy we may have to relocate to one of the other mountains at this rate. I give us maybe another year or two before we are complete overrun." Fukusaku added much to Jiraiya shock and horror
"That's it?! We just give up this place to the nightmare those monsters placed on us?!" Jiraiya questioned in abject shock and disbelief
"We have little if any choice. At the rate those abominations are spreading, we will have little choice but to leave our home…As a matter of fact, my boy. Those abominations are overcoming the seals we use to keep them from spreading faster than we can get rid of them. So unfortunately, for the survival of our people we must leave Mt. Myoboku soon enough." Fukusaku answered back sullenly at having been forced to abandon our home
"And there isn't anything I can do, or Bunta or even the old geezer can do to stop this?! There has to be something we can do about this?" Jiraiya questioned once more hoping their was a way that this could be stopped
"Unfortunately no. Not only are these abominations able to retain every ability and skill they had when they were alive. But to make matters even worse, they are combining into even stronger creature…Things that are so horrible, that I would tear my own eyes out if I could." Fukusaku remarked at the horrors he and the other toads had to witness
"...I am so sorry, but it seems as though this is the end of an era." Fukusaku spoke as Jiraiya looked down dejected and heartbroken at this news
"My second home, lost because of those monsters, and the summons who were like a family to me turned into…walking nightmares. Just my rotten luck." Jiraiya replied despising this information and the hopelessness associated with it
"Worry not Jiraiya-boy, we will endure through this as we have all other things. We are nothing if not resilient." Fukusaku assured his long-time summoner
"I know the toads are, but it doesn't make this suck any less, Pa…All I do know is that Toshiro has to pull through against Naruto. There is too much that is riding on him winning against whatever monster he is." Jiraiya said knowing full well that the amount riding on Toshiro's victory was paramount to his continued freedom among other things that had the Toad Sannin in a perpetual cold sweat
"And do you think that Toshiro stands a chance against him? Even with what control of the 9-tails he has, the boy still has a ways to go before he can fend for himself against the true threats of the world. Barring, that Naruto boy." Fukusaku questioned
"To be honest, Pa, I don't know. As much as I want to say that he can have a chance against Naruto. Even with him learning Senjutsu, and controlling the 4th and maybe 5th tail of the fox's chakra…It won't be easy, but I think that he has A chance of defeating Naruto. Not a big one after what he did when he fought against the 7 tails jinchuuriki, but at least he will have a fighting chance against him." Jiraiya answered back knowing that at least with this preparatory training that Toshiro would stand a decent chance
"That is the best we can hope for when going against someone this strong. All I can hope is that when he does reach the Perfected version of the Sage Mode. That it won't change him for the worst, as we have no idea how the tainted chakra here will affect him when he does use it." Fukusaku spoke hoping that the corrupted natural chakra of Mt. Myoboku wouldn't turn Toshiro into an abomination
"For yours, mine, and Konoha's sake; I hope it won't mess with him too much. Konoha doesn't need another uncontrollable monster." Was Jiraiya's sole response as they watched Toshiro for once stay stock still as he tried to enter the Perfected version of the Toad's Sage mode
However, as Toshiro was meditating trying to gather forth the corrupted natural energies to enter into Sage Mode; Yin Kurama on the otherhand was grinning like mad considering that he was more than happy to have Toshiro use him to filter out and absorb the negative energies of Mt. Myoboku's corrupted nature chakra. Given that unbeknownst to the jinhchuuriki, the Toad Sannin, or the Toads themselves that said half of the 9 tails was using it to empower themselves and overall corrupt the seal that kept them prisoner inside the young man's flesh; as he was surrounded by a carmine-colored glow of malefic chakra.
"Those fools have no idea. The more they have this idiot train to obtain their precious Sage Mode, the stronger I become from absorbing all of the negative energy in this place…So much more than what I ever expected to absorb." Yin Kurama spoke with a predatory grin on their face
"If anything, by the time the finals for these Exams begin. I may not only end up becoming stronger than what I was originally; before that wretched monkey split me in two…But, I may also have enough strength to rip myself free from this accursed seal, and rejoin my better half…And all I have to do is play the waiting game, and let Naruto use this unhinged fool as a punching bag to do so. Who would have thought that sibling disputes would be this entertaining and fortunate for yours truly." Yin Kurama further spoke as they ran their claws across the bars of their cage and as they did so they seemed to almost acidicly rust and melt before reforming into their original state albeit with slight bits of rust and cracks spiraling on them
(5 hours later, 7:20 Pm, Konoha)
Meanwhile, Rasa was in his hotel room after getting back from meetings with the current Hokage and Fire Lord Ozai in regards to the Finals of the Chunin Exams, yet instead of talking with Orochimaru about their supposed alliance. The 4th Kazekage was instead standing before a fully opened scroll where the holographic projection of Yagura stood talking to him.
"And you are sure that Orochimaru is none the wiser about our continued partnership?" Yagura questioned the red-haired Kazekage
"I am completely sure that they do not…Granted with how tight a ship they run, it has been incredibly difficult to keep them and their servants off my back. But rest assured we are still in the clear." Rasa assured the pint-sized Mizukage
"Good, I was starting to think that gifting you the 6-tails was a mistake. After all, it would have been a waste to know that all the hard work in securing it as a 'gift' of cooperation, was for nothing." Yagura replied
"While it still…fights against me from time to time. I am more than capable enough of controlling its power for my own." Rasa said back whilst his body almost seeming to bubble for a bit before going back to normal
"Are you sure?...It seems as though you are still having some troubles restraining its power. My specialists did warn you that transferring the 6 tails in the way you requested would have consequences." Yagura spoke as he saw the flesh on Rasa's arms alternate between a combination of roiling slime and iron sand before going back to normal
"It is nothing I cannot handle. Besides, I have the full unmitigated power of the 6-tailed slug at my side…With this I will have more than enough power to make things go our way. Even if it is trying." Rasa said through gritted teeth to suppress the 6-tails's influence from rising over his body
"If you say you can handle it then fine. However, I still expect you to make good on your word; that my men will have safe passage into Konoha for 'our' invasion." Yagura told the Kazekage/jinchuuriki
"My word is more than good enough to carry your men through. I am just having them snuck in as traveling guests, civilians and my own villagers coming to see my children make their mark in the Exams. It may not be the most elaborate of plans to sneak your men into Konoha's walls, but it will nonetheless work." Rasa said to the Mizukage in question
"Good, my men will stand-by on your command to unleash havoc upon Konoha." Yagura told Rasa
"Excellent to hear, Yagura. With everything going accordingly, you and I will share the spoils of this place an with them; your purge of that bothersome rebellion will be complete." Rasa spoke
"Then my village will become that much closer towards no longer being the weakest of the 4…or rather 3 if everything goes accordingly." Rasa added with a sinister grin on his face
"Indeed. However, and I will not repeat myself…Remember that I do not take double-cross lightly should you chose to back-out of our arrangement. The Serpent Sannin may be powerful no doubt, but I on the otherhand am much, much more spiteful. So fail to deliver on your end of the agreement, or back out of our deal and I will make the last moments you have before your death an incredibly painful one." Yagura told the iron-sand wielding Kage
"You have nothing to worry about Yagura. Besides, with the power of the six-tailed slug at my beck and call, I doubt that even Orochimaru for all of their tricks and skills can defeat me as I am not…As a matter of fact, I'd wager that my increased strength would be more than enough to take on the likes of Jiraiya and Minato head to head as it were." Rasa spoke with the utmost confidence regarding his increased strength as a jinchuuriki
Considering that now with his previous skills combined with the powers and abilities afforded to him by the 6-tailed Slug, he was more than confident that he could best both Jiraiya and Minato in combat, and even Fire Lord Ozai as well should he dare to face him during the invasion.
"Remain mindful of your powers nonetheless, Rasa. You may have my gift to increase your strength, but be mindful of your limitations nonetheless. Your control of the beasts power still leaves more to be desired, given the state of how you have gained it." Yagura spoke
"The seal may grant you full access to it's power, but that does not mean that should you have a moment of weakness. That it can overwhelm you and tke full control of your body…We would have tried for a stronger seal, but the only ones strong enough to do as needed are in Konoha itself, and I doubt that they will be so generous as to allow you to study the Reaper Death Seal." Yagura further warned
Given that as it stood, while Rasa was able to access the tailed beasts chakra in it's totality to bolster his abilities, the seal that contained it within Rasa didn't come without the overarching risk that should Rasa's willpower and mental fortitude falter; that the 6 tails could claim dominance over his body and suppress him for that window of time.
"Don't worry, I have everything under control. All I have to do is continue to bide my time, and soon I can unleash my power against this place in full…This village doesn't deserve half of the glory, that is heaped upon it while my village continues to lay in squalor as the lesser of all 4." Rasa spoke with anger and envy bleeding into his voice
"Just remember not to let your jealousy and ego, get in the way of our plan. Too much has gone into this, to let it go to waste, and I will not suffer the indignity of your failures. My regime should not have to suffer your failures and faults on top of what your village already does." Yagura replied as Rasa bit his tongue to not say anything against the smaller Kage
"Understood, you have my word that failure will not happen." Rasa swore to Yagura
"Good, and just to make sure that it doesn't. My elite are bringing some of the relics we have found before and after Uzushio sunk to the bottom of the sea…Now that that it has fallen to the ocean below, and those bothersome whirlpools are no longer and issue. We can use our summons to dive to the depths below and plunder any and everything we want of value." Yagura replied
"...But, with that being said and my having to further plan on expending more of my troops your way. On top of battling aginst those filthy maggots that infest MY village, I will leave for now…Best of luck, Rasa." Yagura spoke to his fellow Kage
"You as well, Yagura." Rasa said back as the transmission terminated
"You know that you cannot hold me in this prison forever. Soon enough, your will will fail you and I will be free again." Saiken spoke frustrated that they were ripped from Utakata and trapped inside of a lesser host
"Quiet, Six-Tails! You will do as I command and lend me your power when I see fit!" Rasa hissed in response to the beast within
"While this seal may allow you to compel my power. That does not mean that I am of willing mind to do so, and until that day happens. Then I will make sure that your body pays the price until you release me." Saiken shot back as the moment they did so Rasa's flesh temporarily turned into Saiken's and began dripping a more metallic version of the monsters' slugs' slime onto the floor that hissed and steamed as it do so
"I will never let you go. Not when your power is far, far better used under my command. So prepare to stay in your new home, for a long time slug. Because, as long as draw breath your power will belong to me until my dying days, as it was meant to." Rasa retorted as he willed his flesh to return to normal
"We will see about that, as there are still others that are far stronger than you. Others that I know that will grant me my freedom, and make you and that traitor Yagura pay for what you did to my friend!" Saiken roared as they bucked against their prison with such force that it caused Rasa to cough out a mixture of tar-like slime, blood, and bile
"And that they will never come, I guarantee you that." Rasa replied as he closed off the connection that allowed Saiken means of communication while they raged
'All I need to do is just continue to wait and watch, and then Suna will reign supreme as it should have been from the start.' Rasa said to himself as he spent the rest of the night plotting on how Konoha would look as part of Sunagakure
So with the preparations for the Chunin Exams in motion on top of events and plans in motion for all parties involved beginning to unfold. How will it all collide with one another once that final trial for those going for their long-awaited promotion prevail?...Find out on the all new chapters of, Naruto: The PokeSage!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as we complete the first bit of everyone's P.O.V's for the Finals, as oh boy are a bunch of things going to pop off when the Chunin Exams Finals begin as…its gonna be different that's for certain. But furthermore, thank you everyone who has stuck around for nearly 50 chapters of the story, as every favorite, follow and review for the story means a whole lot in helping to continue going forward with the story, and such my utmost gratitude for all of your support thus far.
However, with all that said and done; this is Pravus666 signing off until next time as the next chapter in the pipeline will continue with everyone's finals prep. So stay tuned to see all that go down.
Part 3 Theme Song: Themata by Karnivool
Random End Song: Its the Final Countdown by Europe
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Glad you liked the preliminary fights. What with me wanting to make sure that when Gaara unleashed her wrath that Temari, really felt that she had absolutely no chance, and that was the tamest way she could've gone out. Also, with Tenten vs Sasuke it was one of those things where I really wanted to show that her versatility which while nice is something that isn't all that great when your against someone like Sasuke who dedicates himself to one singular discipline in kenjutsu...also I couldn't not have him do one of Zoro's signature moves when he's training to wield 3 swords at once!
Darth Diabolos: As you can clearly see, not only has Mizore not been humbled but she has now gone into the absolutely nutter-butter category of butt-hurt over her loss to him. Also, I'm glad how you like what I'm doing with this version of a good Fem Orochimaru; considering that I wanted her goodness to come from a place where it was not only genuine but made the most sense within their character so far. Not to mention you aren't neccessariy wrong, considering that at this point he is a veritable demigod, doesn't mean he won't act any differently than he already does...And don't worry I've got something planned when Naruto finally talks with Kurama. Not to mention I really wanted to give Lee his shine that even though he lost to Sakura whose an absolute BEAST in her own right, that he would nonetheless make her work for that victory as the Green beast of Youth! Also, I really wanted to make Mizore have her 'I'm really not built like that' moment against Naruto just handing her ass to her with negative difficulty because I want to really sell it home that she wsn't and never was shit to begin with. Oh yeah as the Toads are permanently regretting their life decisions now. And Orochimaru after going through hell and back, finally has come out the other side with her name cleared and a massive weight off her shoulders...btw i wonder what Naruko from your she-devil story would think of this version of Orochimaru btw? Also have a nice one and hope you crush it in 2024 good friend, because I've got a lot planned such as a possible Ben 10 Warhammer 40K story I may do at some point.
starravenwolf: Oh yeah, as Jiraiya is clearly cognisant of the pressure of how screwed he is if Toshiro doesn't win against Naruto to the point where he can practically feel the proverbial guillotine coming down on him. Also, with Orochimaru now having their name cleared this also changes things greatly for how the Invasion may go down as you've seen from my messing with things in the timeline...Also, come on man I couldn't not make the Toads' and Mt. Myoboku an absolute nightmare landscape, as I really wanted to deliver on the fact that Giratina will FUCK you up and make you hate everything about it, as additional inspiration from this beyond that of Prototype is brought to you by Grandpappy Nurgle from Warhammer 40K and his domain of Plagues.
God of Wind 200: I'm glad you understood the reference, because that was actually the inspiration for that moment!
Skull Flame: Glad you liked the Mizore fight, because I wanted to really illustrate how out of her depth she was against Naruto and his immeasurably cosmic powers as Arceus's inheiritor. Yeah, and the thing is that with Gaara being mentally sound now, she makes it clear that the only reason why Kankuro is slightly less hated than Temari, is because at least he is up front about it and not a 2-faced snake in the grass about it. Since she's of the if your going to speak ill of me then do so too my face camp.
