New concept, one that features a very different Naruto than what many are ued to from my styles of writing, but I couldn't help but think this would make a good version to write up. With that out of the way, please enjoy the new concept I am publishing here.
~XxX-Tenrou Island x784-XxX~
Tenrou Island was under attack. Fairy Tail who considered the island to be their holy ground due to it being the 1st Master's birth and burial place, had gathered their members and readily went to defend what was theirs. 3rd Master Makarov Dreyer had been the first line of defense but had fallen to his predecessor Precht Gaebolg when he attempted to use the fabled Fairy Law but was stuck down when the counter spell known as Griamore Law was cast and thwarted his attempts to protect the sacred grounds from the invading guild of dark wizards who sought the 1st Master's grave for unknown reason or purpose.
1st Generation Dragon Slayer Black Steel Gajeel was laying on the ground beaten ruthlessly and utterly exhausted from his fight. Surprisingly enough the man he had fought so gallantly against was also a dragon slayer but what was even more surprising was his speak of another generation outside of the normal 1st and 2nd Generation Dragon Slayers. The man-a man by the name of Kimimaro Kaguya who used Bone Dragon Slayer Magic- was a 5th Generation Dragon Slayer of all things. Ok, what the hell happened to the friggin 3rd and 4th Generations then? Well, then, Kimimaro was more than happy to go into detail as he looked down upon the beaten Iron Dragon.
Kimimaro was characterized by his pale skin, vivid green eyes, angular facial features, two scarlet dots on his forehead which all the members of his clan possessed, and shoulder-length white hair, which he wore divided down the middle on his head (distinguished by an atypical 'zigzag' hair parting) with two separate partings on either side of his face. He wore a light lavender, loose-fitting, long-sleeved, zip-up shirt, black pants cut off around mid-calf, bandages wrapped around his ankles, traditional shinobi sandals, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around his waist. He also wore two red, tube-like hair ornaments; one on either side of his head, securing two locks of his silvery-white hair.
He holds a large blade that takes the form of a giant axe-like weapon bearing two crescent moon-shaped blades fused together at the backs, with a large looped chain connected to the shaft at the end of the handle. The chain is connected to his waist, allowing him to perform long-ranged attacks. (1-2)
There were supposedly numerous ways to learn how to use Dragon Slayer Magic, but it was how it was learned and utilized that granted each Generation their unique abilities to their Generation alone. Each Generation was neither weaker nor stronger than another but each had a Generation that could either rival the other Generation or nullify that specific Generation of Dragon Slayer Magic using their own abilities granted to them by the Generation they were brought into when they learned their Dragon Slayer Magic and progressed in experience and training. And by no means was it a easy task to fulfill for the later Generations of Dragon Slayers.
The first way is one must be taught by an actual Dragon. The ones who learned their Dragon Slayer Magic through this method are referred to as First Generation Dragon Slayers. They were known to be the forefathers of Dragon Slayer Magics-the founders of the mighty art. They could also be argued to actually have the greatest strength of any generation, however, the only way to truly defeat one of these masters was to either be a much higher caliber of wizard or have much more experience than the Dragon Slayer that went against them. Usually 1st Generations sought out another of their own Generation to test their own strengths.
The second way is one must have Dragon Lacrima implanted into their body. The ones who learned their Dragon Slayer Magic through this method are referred to as Second Generation Dragon Slayers. 2nd Generation Dragon Slayers were typically known as the 'sons' of the 1st Generation. Normally a 2nd Generation would have to purchase the rare Dragon Lacrima in order to be able implant it-but therein lay the problem. Dragon Lacrima weren't just common household items and required a full dragons body in order to make one. This meant that the scales, flash, bones and more than likely organs were required in order to create the fabled Dragon Lacrima.
The third way which is a combination of the first two methods: ones who both learned their Dragon Slayer Magic by receiving the teachings of a Dragon and also having Lacrima implanted into their body. The ones who learned how to perform Dragon Slayer Magic by utilizing both methods are referred to as Third Generation Dragon Slayers. However, the Lacrima in question had to be the exact same element as the Dragon Slayer's own attribute in order for them to be truly called a 3rd Generation. Of course it was possible for other elements to be taken and added to their own powers but that was rarer than most would assume as the Lacrima's were extremely expensive.
The fourth way is a more estranged version of the first. The way that these Dragon Slayers came to be is by originally being the 1st Generation of Dragon Slayers and then overtaxing their magical abilities. By overusing heir abilities, the Dragon's Seed curse placed upon the Dragon Slayer would overwhelm their bodies and thus turn them into which they hunted-that being a dragon. These Dragon Slayers were required to consistently bathe in the blood of their victims and be overwhelmed by the sheer energy they would absorb while doing so thus making them the Fourth Generation Dragon Slayers
The fifth way is for them to consume a Dragon's flesh or an actual Dragon Slayer. The ones who learn Dragon Slayer through this method are referred to as Fifth Generation Dragon Slayers. The 5th Generation were ruthless in their hunting methods and cared not for the law when it came to eating other humans-just the kill was all that mattered to them. There was one law-however-that the 5th Generation had to follow; don't steal another's kill or you'd end up on the table as well. By consuming the dragon or slayer in question, the consumer would obtain the victims magic, knowledge, and even their life force from devouring them thus extending their lives.
The sixth way was a combination of the 3rd& 4th Generations. By being a natural 1st Generation Dragon slayer turned 3rd Generation and overexerting one's magical energy; the dragon slayer in question could in turn become a more powerful hunter. However, it was rare for one to survive long enough to witness or even go through such a dangerous transformation. The 5th Generation hailed this specific Generation of Dragon Slayers as their greatest delicacy, hunting and much less eating a 6th Generation Dragon Slayer allowed for quite the boost in power. This was what it meant to be one of the 5 Sixth Generation Dragon Slayers.
Then there was the exalted and mighty Seventh Generation Dragon Slayers. This Generation is a combination of the 3rd-4th-5th Generations together. Trained as a 1st Generation Dragon Slayer, implanting a Dragon Lacrima to become a 3rd Generation, undergoing the dragonification process to be reborn as a 4th Generation, and consuming dragons and dragon slayers alike to be called a 5th generation; these mighty warriors were even rarer and usually left alone to their own devices. Surprisingly enough the 5th Generation left these monsters alone simply because more often than not they themselves would end up on the dinner table if the particular Dragon Slayer was feeling slightly ruthless, and more often then not didn't care for anyone besides themselves.
In fact, in all the world, only one 7th Generation Dragon Slayer could exist at a time-and this was usually due to the fact that they would hunt the newer or even the older dragon slayer down to kill the other. More often than not, the older one would always die. The Seventh Generation could be called the strongest of the Dragon Slayer Generations-but in truth nobody actually knew how powerful the final generation could be. The 7th Generation Dragon Slayer(s) were all utterly ruthless and sadistic in the heat of battle; they craved it like it was the ultimate drug fix, so much so that when it came down to a fight-more often then not the sight of blood only made them more excited to keep fighting.
The 7th Generation were warriors through and through and rarely if ever showed off their magical prowess in a battle, their own sheer skills in hand-to-hand or even blades was more than enough to ensure a swift victory. If it ever came down to the need to use their magic, that meant that they were actually serious for a change and that the opponent more than likely was worth their time even if they knew that using their magic meant ending the fight sooner than they would initially like. Surviving a fight with a 7th Gen Dragon Slayer was rare in itself for the fact that they ate what they killed-mainly animals-and were usually seen as hunters to the bitter end.
And then there was the special case Generation-known as the Zero Generation Dragon Slayers. These Dragon Slayers were never given a dragon mentor to grant them a true Dragon Slayer Element and never implanted a Dragon Lacrima into their bodies to become a 2nd Generation. It is unknown as to how they managed to obtain Dragon Slayer Magic, just that they have it and can use it. Of course they have overstepped the natural boundaries of their own powers and transformed into a dragon and can easily revert thus classifying them as a 4th Generation, but regardless; they weren't considered a 'True Dragon Slayer' and the 5th Generation killed them without remorse and burned the bodies; deigning them unworthy of becoming a meal to be eaten for their fake statuses as a Dragon Slayer.
"So you see, prey, you were never the greatest among our kind, you were just a has been much like that fire spitter down on the beach with those weaklings." Kimimaro grinned madly before wailing his head back in laughter, "Oh the look on your face when I revealed to you the most basic information of our kind, it was almost like ecstasy to my soul. When I kill you and those other dragons, I'm going to be able to be the strongest, strong enough to even hunt that stupid Seventh Generation Dragon Slayer who humiliated me years ago." he growled out, his grin never wavering.
Before Gajeel or Levy could even ask what the hell he was talking about a deep voice garnered their attention, "Well well well, looks like I missed some of the excitement, damn Gajeel, and here I thought you were a S-Class wizard. To see you beaten by some guy dressed like some has-been Aztec warrior is so unlike you." causing the group to turn and see the person who had spoken.
"Naruto." Levy whispered out in elation. The man was a SS-Class Wizard on par with Gildarts with his raw strength alone, he hardly ever used magic and even then she had only ever sensed his sheer Magical Pressure whenever he got excited in a fight. He never used a spells, never cast enchantments, he was a man who relied on brute strength and a single sword to slice his way through anything that stood in his way. He was the very definition of a monster, and even the Wizard Council was wary of his strength if a certain rumor of him killing a defecting Wizard Saint was anything to go by as he took the role himself.
Naruto is a tall, muscular young man of 19 with a wild and aggressive appearance, which fits his personality. He has a long face with pronounced cheekbones that have three whisker-like markings on them, and pronounced, brow ridges. He has blue eyes and long, stringy crimson hair. A noticeable trait in his appearance is a long, thin scar running down the left side of his face and across his left eye, inflicted on him by his mentor and father Mercphobia while he was still a child. He wears a black jacket with a white undershirt, black pants, black boots and black fingerless gloves with a metal plate on the back of the palms.
In addition to the outfit he already wears, he has white bandages across his midsection and a sleeveless captain's haori, which has a ragged look to it. He styles his hair into stiff strands during his baths, attaching small bells at its tips, and wears a special black eye-patch over his right eye. An eye-patch that nobody understood why he wore. He had explained to Levy at one point that he liked it and added it to his outfit.
Little did she know.
"What's this?" Naruto drawls insolently. "You're practically dead, Gajeel!"
Levy offers a grimace of a smile, pushing herself over onto her side so she can look up at the redhead. He's standing over her, sword held in one hand– the only thing that's stopping a massive tree next to them from flattening them both.
"I was just keepin' 'em occupied while we waited for you," Gajeel wheezes, tone every bit as insolent as his. "Not my fault you always get lost."
To be honest, he had never been more happy to hear his rumbling laugh than in that moment.
Kimimaro blinks. "Who the hell are you?" Naruto doesn't answer, his eye doing a quick sweep and summarily dismissing the bone covered man. "You aren't going to answer me?"
"Naruto, wh-what're you doing here?" Levy stutters out when the silence continues to stretch. "When'd you get here?"
"I took the long way," Naruto answers easily enough. "I was also told by the old man that this guy here would prove to be more bothersome than the other old bag of bones and so I decided to come see if he was worth the time. He must be if you're laying on the ground getting ready for the dirt nap of a lifetime." he grinned.
"Yea, he's a problem alright." Gajeel concedes, "He kicked my ass three ways to the moon and back. Claims he's a dragon slayer." he told Naruto who raises a brow as Gajeel adds, "Supposedly he is a 5th Generation, a flesh eating cannibal. Wants to eat me Salamander and the shrimp for our magic powers and skills." he finished.
"A 5th Generation huh, haven't encountered one of them in a few years. Last time I saw one was back in the Northern section of the lands in Giltina. They're a legal Guild of Dragon Hunters compromised of nothing but 5th Generation Slayers. They live solely for the hunt. I sent more than my fair share of them running with their tails between their legs, though I haven't met this one before when I always encountered them. And old Mercphobia was adamant about me knowing who it was I was fighting." he said blinking slowly.
"Are you saying-" Gajeel started to ask only for Naruto to shrug, "I never saw it as a big deal. Sure being a Dragon Slayer is cool and all, but why have a ancient magic if you hardly ever get to truly experience of battle where you put your life on the line. And if you want to know so badly, I'm a 6th Generation."
Not exactly true.
Kimimaro and the others perk up. For Kimimaro he was slightly elated, so this was the 6th Generation Dragon Slayer that usually sent the members of his guild running, interesting; he'd make a decent meal with his size. For Gajeel he was in shock, he never knew Naruto was a Dragon Slayer much less a supposed 6th Generation. As for Levy she was in shock, she had never seen the signs of him being a dragon slayer.
"Yea, decided I would come and see what he was all about if he was supposedly giving you trouble. But now that I know he's a 5th Gen, I think I might actually be able to enjoy myself for once, if he lives up to my expectations. You need to make sure you don't strain yourself, micro-shrimp." Naruto said, glancing at Levy from the corner of his eye. Levy looks down at her feet, cheeks darkening.
She is saved from any further embarrassment when Yachiru-Naruto's Exceed Partner he met in Edolas-suddenly pops up out of the back of Naruto's haori, waving at them. She is black furred with a white patch in the middle of her forehead. She wears a black kimono top with black baggy pants. She also has a pink flower stuck in her ear and a lollipop in her hand, "Never fear, cuz Naru-chan's here!"
"Yachiru, keep your damn head down!" Naruto scolds. Yachiru sticks her tongue out at him but he's already distracted, senses pinging as the other forms of magic energy spark up in anticipation across the island, preparing for battles of their own. "For fuck's sake," he grouses. "I told them I could handle this alone. None of them listen to a word I say."
Gajeel snorts, landing by Levy and carefully setting Lily-his own Exceed partner-down by her, "I wonder why. It couldn't have anything with your insatiable battle lust, could it? Or maybe because they'd like to get down and dirty once in a while, right?"
Kimimaro apparently decides that he's done waiting. He charges at Naruto, attacking him with an overhead strike that Naruto blocks like he was expecting it all along.
"So you're finally ready to fight!" Naruto said giddily. The two struggle back and forth before Naruto sends Kimimaro sliding back, "I've been waitin' for this." Naruto is grinning widely. "Come at me ready to die!"
Yachiru practically tackles Gajeel, knocking him flat on his ass. Gajeel winces, shooting the feline a scowl, "What the hell was that for?"
"You have to stay out of the way, Gaj!" Yachiru chirps, standing in front of Gajeel and leaning forward in her earnestness. Gajeel watches how her face is lit up, practically radiating energy and contentment as she turns to watch Naruto fighting Kimimaro. "Naru-chan has that look on his face."
Gajeel shakes his head, settling more comfortably to watch. He sighs as he scratches her behind the ear, "Don't worry. Unlike some people, I know how to share."
Yachiru giggles and takes off, perching on top of a piece of rubble that gives her a perfect overhead view of the fight. "It's okay, Naru-chan!"
Naruto and Kimimaro are locking swords again but Naruto takes the time to smile at her over his shoulder, "Yachiru, you stay there!"
Yachiru makes a noise of assent and Kimimaro is seething at the entire byplay. "You dare to mock me?!"
Naruto turns back to him and Gajeel's pretty sure it's a mix of Naruto being Naruto and him just toying with his opponent. Either way it serves to piss Kimimaro off that much more.
"I ain't gonna be a part of this farce!" Kimimaro disengages their swords and attacks again, Naruto deflecting the blow.
"Oy, you must have more than that in you?" Naruto jeers.
Kimimaro chuckles, a noise which Gajeel is more than happy to forget. "Looks like I'm gonna enjoy this a bit. What's your name, prey?!"
"6th Generation Dragon Slayer, Uzumaki Naruto!"
"5th Generation Dragon Slayer, Kimimaro Kaguya!" The man responds and once more their swords are locked again.
Naruto doesn't bother using his magic energy, relying on pure brute strength as he fights the enemy. He's heedless to the force he expels, nearly sending Levy flying at one point. Shaking his head, Gajeel stays sitting beside Lily, keeping an eye on the battle in front of them and his senses trained on the others around them. Levy watches as Naruto and Kimimaro battle, neither having so much as scratched the other. That will change before much longer. Right now they're just getting a feel for one another, once they establish who it is they're fighting, they'll both be going for blood.
"I'm bored of this!" Kimimaro changes his swing, attacking Naruto with the inner ring of his blade. The maneuver catches Naruto off guard but he recovers quickly, blocking the attack and parrying the next blow. "Don't tell me that little stunt surprised you?" Kimimaro taunts. "I'm not even close to being satisfied with this fight yet. I'm waiting for you. Come at me ready to die!"
Naruto's gaze doesn't flicker as he stares at Kimimaro impassively, assessing the enemy and gauging what the fight to come will entail. Gajeel can feel Naruto's excitement rising even before he starts laughing, "This is what I was waitin' for!" the redhead says, smile showcasing all of his teeth and magic energy dancing wildly along his skin. "I'm shaking with anticipation. From here on, we're gonna be takin' lives. It's kill or be killed. I ain't checkin' how you're doin' anymore!"
Levy detracts the dragon slayers attention when she kneels in front of him, her hands hovering over Gajeel as she looks him over. "Gajeel, hold on and I'll–"
"I can wait," Gajeel hurries to interrupt. He motions to the little feline beside her. "Lily first. He needs it more than I do." he says before handing her a green orb-a incantation bead meant to heal others if they crushed it in their hands.
Levy's gaze tracks from Gajeel to Lily. She looks reluctant for a moment but even she can see the truth of it, categorizing each of their injuries. She nods though and shifts so she's kneeling beside Pantherlily. Gajeel can feel the warmth radiating from the healing dome and it puts him at ease before he feels Lily's magic energy strengthening again. Confident in Levy's abilities, he focuses back on the fight, watching the back and forth.
Last time, Gajeel had been too worried to enjoy the fight. Now, he has a fair idea of how it will turn out so he can sit back and enjoy being a spectator. The fight really is a sight to behold. For all that the fight wasn't planned, the choreography is breath taking; and not just in the way that the magical pressure is pressing down either. Gajeel senses the moment Salamander defeats his opponent; can feel that the Stripper is close to ending his battle as well. By this time Levy has redirected her attempts to heal Lily over to Gajeel and they're both watching the fight. While the 5th Generation hasn't sustained any new injuries, he finally manages to wound Naruto.
Naruto takes it in stride, even when Kimimaro kicks him in the face. Kimimaro catches the blade of Naruto's sword with his bare hand. "Are you fuckin' deaf!" He sneers, throwing the blade away. "My bones from my magic is the hardest in the entire history of all 5th Generation Dragon Slayer's. The blade of some bitch ass sword is never gonna cut me!"
If anything, the words serve to spur Naruto on. His bloodlust rises, his energy coiling even tighter as it writhes along his skin. Yachiru is watching from her little perch, her energy dancing just as wildly. Gajeel watches as the little feline simply licks her lips in anticipation. She senses what Naruto does and knows that this battle will be one worth their time. Kimimaro roars as he swings down, but the grinning redhead swings back with such force that it sends the 5th Generation up into the air. Kimimaro looks down with a grin and tosses his weapon away and grips a portion of the chain and starts swinging his weapon, stirring the sand around him and creating a dust cloud that obscures everything.
Naruto stares ahead blankly, waiting for the next attack. Levy and Gajeel cover their faces to block the powerful gale level winds. However, as he watches the whirling dust, Kimimaro's weapon sails through the cloud and Naruto snorts as sidesteps the incoming sword and grabs the chain trailing behind it. A good yank pulls an off-guard Kimimaro to him. He catches the enemy by his head, slamming him to the ground, "Grah!" the bone user cries out as he is slammed into the dirt. With his left hand holding Kimimaro in place, Naruto raises his right hand and he moves to stab his opponent through the head.
Kimimaro is quick to dodge the attack, escaping Naruto's grip and rolling several feet away. He comes up on his feet and immediately uses the chain to reclaim his katana. Naruto blinks in slow surprise, he is in no hurry to resume his stance, "You dodged," he says placidly. "And if you dodged, that means you must have felt threatened. Am I wrong?" he questions.
Kimimaro doesn't answer, doesn't blink as he eyes Naruto.
"You were sayin' you can't be cut by a mere sword, but there are places where you can be cut," Naruto smile is sharp, taunting all on its own.
Kimimaro reacts as expected, launching into the air. "What the fuck are you blatherin' about? Dodgin' attacks is battle instinct! One of many reflexes that help us take down our enemies. There's nowhere I can be cut. That sword of yours can't cut me and that's all there is to it!" He comes down hard and strong with his sword, sand and dust flying into the air from the force behind it. He's already smiling, his magic energy perking up as he undoubtedly thinks he's won.
He's proven wrong when Naruto's voice filters through the dust.
"There are all kinds of bastards in this world who claim such bullshit. I've met a lot of annoying ones that told me my sword could never cut 'em. But," Kimimaro's eyes widen in surprise as the dust clears to show Naruto standing untouched, Kimimaro's sword held in his bare hand. Naruto hadn't even raised his sword to stop it. "I've yet to meet a bastard whose eyes and throat couldn't be cut!"
Matching actions to words, Naruto keeps hold of Kimimaro's sword and strikes out, stabbing his sword through the eye-patch covering Kimimaro's left eye. Levy gasps, watching with wide eyes as Naruto drops his grip on the enemy's weapon, letting him dangle from his blade. Gajeel doesn't react, keeping his gaze on Kimimaro. He feels the spike in Naruto and Yachiru's magic energy, the small spark of excitement at having won, and the larger spark of resentment at it being over so soon.
Kimimaro just hangs there for a moment, letting them think they've won, before he tires of it. He rolls his eye down to focus on Naruto and gives a derisive scoff. "How many times do I have to tell you before you're satisfied?" Naruto's eye widens and his magic energy dances widely, surprise and elation battling, and Kimimaro uses the moment to grab Naruto's sword arm, "You can't fucking cut me!" He strikes at Naruto with his free hand, driving it straight through Naruto's chest. Levy gasps, hands flying to her mouth as they watch Kimimaro pull his hand free. Blood spurts from the wound and Naruto staggers back a couple of steps.
"Bet you can't understand what happened," Kimimaro jeers. "You must be thinkin' 'it's impossible for someone to survive after bein' stabbed in the head' or something. Right?" He laughs as he pulls Naruto's sword free and uses the tip of the blade to lift the edge of the eye-patch. In place of his eye is his Hollow hole; it's surrounded by his mask fragment, teeth lining the top and bottom curves giving it the appearance of a gaping mouth, the edges of the bone fragment reaching out to traverse over his right eye like an eyepatch, "This is why. No one can have their head impaled and still live."
He drops Naruto's sword. "But I ain't dead. Get it, prey? Your sword didn't stab anything; it went straight through my head. Now you understand why you failed." he tells his opponent. Naruto smiles, his magic energy thrumming with excitement which bleeds out in a single laugh that sets Kimimaro off, "What the fuck are you laughin' for?!" he demands, lashing out.
Naruto catches his foot effortlessly. "Sorry 'bout that. I'm so damn happy; I couldn't help but laugh."
Kimimaro is at a loss, "Happy?"
"Sure. If I can't cut you it means no matter how many times I slash you, you won't die. This removes the joy of killing you and makes for a boring ass fight." He's still grasping Kimimaro by his ankle and he releases his grip, flinging it away from him and causing Kimimaro to stumble to try to catch his balance again. "But at least now I know that if I cut you enough times you will die." His smile sharpens. "That's all I need. Now I can enjoy the fun of slicing you up!"
"Like I said, you can't fuckin' cut me! Dumbass!" The two charge at each other, squaring off all over again, though this time Naruto is putting a bit more effort into it. He's getting a sense of Kimimaro, trying to figure out how to cut his calcium covered arms. Gajeel can see his magic energy poking at Kimimaro's, tasting it and getting a feel for how his magic energy flows. Naruto may love fighting and is more apt to charge in without a plan, but he isn't nearly the simple-minded idiot everyone thinks him to be.
Yachiru is smiling, excited and content as she watches Naruto.
Clashing in a constant back and forth dance of steel, Naruto eventually pushes the Fifth Generation Dragon Eater away and suddenly a shadow is seen dropping down from above, Naruto falling almost like a falling star as he laughed boisterously, "YAHAHAHA!" and a explosion of dirt and dust fills the air, "GRAH!" the redhead grunts as he clashes with his enemy, only for Kimimaru to jump out of the cloud of dust.
Levy is watching in awe as she watched the redheaded dragon slayer clashes with his enemy, easily driving him back now that he's actually starting to get serious for the fight, "N-Naruto's, taking it to him." she muttered in amazement.
Even Gajeel was wide eyed as he continued to watch the two combatants, "No, it's not just that, he's overpowering the guy." he muttered silently.
Now this was a fight!
Clash after clash, the ringing of steel filled the air as the two men fought for domination, Kimimaru jumps back several times to avoid a series of powerful slashes from his opponent, but with each dodge, a powerful explosion of dust fills the air clouding his sight. Gajeel is almost tempted to keep Kimimaro around just for the fact that he can keep up with Naruto. But he's too much of a wild card. He wasn't worth the hassle of keeping him alive even if he changed sides. However, it all changes as the two monsters clash. Kimimaru sneers as the two back away from one another, "How many times do I have to tell you, your blade can't cut me!" he declares. However, as he bring's his arm up to block the blade, the most shocking thing happens for the white haired man.
The blade bites into his flesh, and blood fills the air when Naruto draws blood for the first time, Gajeel can't help smiling. It's only a cut on Kimimaro's forearm, but the enemy is quick to disengage. Naruto lets him, basking in the small laugh Yachiru emits.
"He finally got him!" Gajeel cheers, pumping a fist excitedly.
"Naruto... you really are amazing." Levy whispers astounded.
"What's wrong? You're shocked that you managed to cut me?" Kimimaro licks at the blood dripping from his arm. "But listen up. Don't go getting' the wrong idea from a single fluke–" he stops as Naruto makes two practice swings off to the side, the action startling Kimimaro into silence. On the third, he brings his sword up and a wall of sand flies up from the force exerted. His magic energy has changed, the flow denser and sharper than before.
"Naru-chan's finally acting like himself!" Yachiru laughs happily. "Now the real fun begins, huh, Naru-chan."
Levy senses the change as well, though she doesn't fully realize exactly what has happened. Right now, it just makes her uneasy to feel the sharp blade piercing the air around them, "Oi, it's time to start the next round," Naruto says. He crooks a finger at Kimimaro. "Come get some, don't be such a bitch." he taunts.
Kimimaro reacts as expected, charging forward without paying any heed to the changes in the air. Even his associates in Diabolos would take a moment to assess the situation before diving headlong back into battle. When their swords clash this time, Gajeel can hear them both crying out. Naruto is staring at Kimimaro impassively; his magic energy reigned in tight and honed to cutting edge.
Gajeel goes wide eyed as he sees the two clash, "Naruto!" he cries out. However, his shock and worry that something might go wrong stops as he watches as Naruto grins wildly at Kimimaro as the blade he carries hits the right resonance and his sword starts sinking into the enemy's blade. The moment he notices, Kimimaro jumps back which saves him as Naruto's sword slices through, cutting both points off the edge of his blade and scoring a cut across the bridge of his enemy's nose.
Holding his face, feeling as his blood flowed from the fresh wound, Kimimaru curses as he pulls his bloodied hand away. Just what the hell was happening?
"Looks like I've finally got used to your skins strength," Naruto says, his magic energy thrumming in excitement and anticipation.
"What did you just say?" Kimimaro might as well be gaping for how his magic energy quivers, surprise blatant as he stares at Naruto, "Could he really have gotten used to it?' he questions. Gajeel wonders how long it's been since the last time someone was able to cut him. Probably Kiria, back when she was still an ally and training to control her powers.
"I've gotten a little soft lately. It's like my muscles had shrunk and I'd lost my edge." Naruto swings his sword again, magic energy dancing along the length and causing ripples in the sand. Kimimaro's eye widens as he finally realizes the situation. "Thanks for that. It was a great warm up. Now let me return the favor, with this!" Naruto dashes forward sword first and Kimimaro is still so off-guard that barely manages to parry the blow. Before he can strike back, Naruto slashes him, once more drawing a line of blood from his enemy, and Kimimaro is working off of instinct as jumps back and snarls before he opens his mouth and shoots off a breath attack.
"Look out!" Levy shouts.
Yachiru doesn't react, just watches with delight as Naruto grins broadly in excitement while he raises his bare hand up to intercept it. Kimimaru is stunned as he watches the redhead physically grab the magic energy in his hand, lowly closing it around his attack and trapping it within his grasp, and then easily chucks it away where it explodes with enough force to cause a shockwave that fills the air with a cloud of dust, forcing Gajeel and Levy to cover their faces.
"A-Amazing!" Gajeel grunts out, "I never thought I would see someone ever do that in my life!" he gulps.
"No... way..." Kimimaro stares incredulously, practically in shock.
The 5th Gen is frozen in place as he watches Naruto approach him at a leisurely pace. Naruto's form now towering over him before the Bone Dragon Slayer finally recovers himself and he once more acts on instinct, like a cornered animal as he charges Naruto, his hand held as if by a blade as he strikes. Naruto calmly sidesteps the attack, but Kimimaro's fingers catch on his eyepatch, ripping the seal off. Naruto's smile widens, his magic energy burgeoning and encompassing him as he raises his sword. He's completely unaware of how his katana latches onto his magic energy, the strength of his attack increasing with the jump in power.
Naruto's magic energy is unconstrained, roaring in triumph and relief as it's finally released and given room to expand; his sheer power rains down and is sparking with the particles of Ethernano in the air. Gajeel winces at the volume, casting Levy a quick glance to see her with her hands over her ears, but also focused on Yachiru who seems immune to it, absorbing the power as it touches her skin and letting the fury that is Naruto's magic energy wash over her, her face brightening even more as she watches. Naruto's magic energy simmers down quickly enough, more than happy to be free for a change.
The severity of Naruto's attack is enough that anyone lesser than enemy would've died outright. As it is, Kimimaro is barely standing, a gash spanning from his waist up to his shoulder and even scoring along the left side of his face, slicing through the cut already present.
Naruto takes in the damage he dealt and reaches up to touch his right eye, feeling where the eyepatch should be. He scowls at Kimimaro and grunts in annoyance, "You fool. You should have never ripped off my eyepatch. See what happens when you rip my eyepatch off? I go and lose control." he scolds his enemy much like a child.
"What the... hell is that... eyepatch of yours?" Kimimaro pants out.
"It was a seal," Naruto answers.
"A seal?" Kimimaro's eye travels to the patch in astonishment, glancing at the fabric to shockingly find a set of small line of tiny monstrous mouths that line the inside of the patch.
"I use that eyepatch to keep my magic energy sealed and under control, suppressing it to the minimum amount to sustain my life. It's done this was so I can take the time to enjoy my battles." Naruto continues explaining. He eyes Kimimaro again, evaluating him, "Still standing, huh? Are you alive? Or are you actually half-dead?"
Kimimaro clenches his teeth, glaring at the sand as he continued panting. "Dumbass! As if I...would die... I won't... not against... the blade of scum like you..." Anger is palpable in the air as magic energy starts building. The wind picks up as Kimimaro gathers it hard and fast, the magic energy strong enough that it sets off on of Naruto's bells. "I'd never fuckin' die like that!" The enemy is seething as he raises his sword overhead. "I summon Bone Drive!" the bone user bellowed with his entire being as a shockwave of energy blasts outward with incredible force.
~XxX-Play Bleach OST: Treachery-XxX~
This is quickly followed by more as magic energy gathers in the end crescent of his sword, energy practically exploding outwards and sending the sand stirring once more. Yachiru almost falls from her perch but recovers quickly, staring wide-eyed at Kimimaro as his magic energy continues building. Her eyes are radiating pure wonder as she watches, waiting for the enemy to emerge from whatever transformation he was undergoing, a shadow of a massive pair of horns is shadowed by the dust, but the energy still lingers in the air like a massive weight upon their shoulder's-pressing down like the weight of the sky falling from the heaven's above due to the magic energy in the air.
When the energy stops and the sand clears to reveal Kimimaro's new form, Levy's breath catches in her throat. Kimimaru's wounds have all stopped bleeding, closed by the sheer force and potency of his magic energy. His identity is altered, still forming an eyepatch over his left eye, the teeth now extending over the hole making it look even more like a gaping mouth, but the sides have extended into horns from the side of his head, the right shorter than the left and both curving over his head and giving the appearance of a crescent moon. The most startling change though is his arms; all four of them. They're covered from shoulder to tip in bone plating, each finger tapered to a point and grasping the hilt of a large scythe.
"So," Kimimaro stated as he was smirking, confidence restored with the power boost. "How does it feel seeing your demise in the form of my Bone Release?" When Naruto doesn't say anything, just stares at him, his magic energy testing the enemy's, Kimimaro narrows his eyes. "Say something, prey."
Gajeel and Levy gasp in shock, "He's got... four arms?" Levy muttered in horror.
"Is such a thing even possible?" Gajeel asks just as frightened as the blue haired teen next to him.
"Wait, his wounds, they've closed!" Levy gasps out, "That was a direct hit from Naruto without his eyepatch, no way..." she muttered.
Naruto's smile is completely wild and unreserved as he eyes Kimimaro hungrily. Almost like he had found something that could actually be worth the time to actually give a care about the impending battle, "That's some nice magic energy you've got there." Once more he's caught the enemy completely off guard, the smug look falling right from Kimimaro's face. Naruto holds his sword up to inspect it, showcasing how the katana is vibrating with excitement. "It's been quite a while since I've felt this sensation, like the magic energy itself is sharpening my blade."
"Has it now," Kimimaro says. He tightens his grip on his blades and snarls at Naruto. "Then come and cut me with that 'sharpened blade' of yours!"
Naruto grins and charges without further fanfare, though he seems surprised when Kimimaro turns and blocks his attack.
"Oh?" Kimimaro taunts. "Is that all you've got?" he sneers at Naruto. He lashes out, blade slicing Naruto and sending the huge teen suddenly crashing onto his back, a gash spanning from his left hip to his right shoulder. Blood is soaking the sand underneath him. "That was a pretty gentle sword, prey," Kimimaro sneers.
Yachiru is worried as she see's her friend and partner fall to the ground, "Naru-chan..." she says silently.
"Tch, Guy's not even fuckin' twitchin'. Is that all?" he asks in frustration, and to think the fight had been so fun before. Kimimaro eyes Naruto for a moment more before he turns, his attention now on Yachiru, "Guess it's time to finish the rest of the trash before I enjoy my meal." he snorts out in annoyance. Gajeel clenches his hand the moment he does, his mind flashing back to a his own defeat by Salamander. Gajeel opens his fists to look over at Yachiru standing calmly, not the least bit worried as Kimimaro approaches.
"Yachiru-chan!" Levy, only seeing a child and forgetting that Yachiru is a warrior in her own right, takes off. She sends her shield out before ever reaching her.
"Ha! What the fuck is that?" Kimimaro laughs, readying a blade.
Yachiru doesn't react, her eyes not even focusing on him. "You should look," she warns, pointing. "right behind you." uncaring for the Fifth Gen Dragon Slayer as he approaches.
Kimimaro goes still as his senses finally pick up on Naruto's rising power from behind his back. A incredibly dense wave of Magic energy rise up to form a golden halo of power and quickly shapes itself into a fanged skull as something lash out at him. He dodges, jumping out of the way of Naruto's sword and losing an arm instead of his head as Kimimaro glares at him.
"Naruto!" Gajeel says in shock.
Naruto ignores the Iron Dragon's spawn as he pops his neck, eyes going to Kimimaro's stub, "One down."
Kimimaro growls, glaring at him, "You bastard."
"You should watch out," Yachiru says smiling, still relaxed. "Naru-chan gets angry if you attack me."
Naruto glances at her. "Who d'you think you're callin' mad? You rat."
"Playin' dead, huh? Cheap tricks like that won't save you," Kimimaro says.
"Shut up. I was busy thinking." Naruto replies. "With four arms, you're just gonna keep on blockin' my blade. That's no fun at all. So I was thinkin' how to stop you blockin' all my attacks. I was thinking what to do so they don't block me. But y'know, I just couldn't think up a single good idea down there. So I figure, I'll just decided to slice them all off, one by one."
Kimimaro narrows his eye but before he can say anything Yachiru chirps up. "But if you cut them all off, he can't fight you, Naru-chan!"
"Huh, what's that?" he asks before the light goes off in his head, "Oh, yea." Naruto turns back to Kimimaro to apologize, "My bad. I'll leave ya with one."
"You'll leave me with one? What the hell you talkin' about? Screw that." Amusement lights the enemy's face. "That doesn't make any difference at all. 'Cause that arm you just cut off, is the last one you're gonna get! No, to be precise..." Kimimaro gathers his magic energy again, focusing it to regrow his arm. When it's done, he flexes the hand to test its mobility. "You won't be able to cut off even one of my arms. I'm gonna use all of 'em to take you out. You wanna know why?" Kimimaro charges forward, grabbing his fourth scythe as he goes, "It's 'cause you're weaker than me!"
The two clash, Naruto easily blocking the individual strikes aimed at him, a wide grin set on his face as he continues to fight. Naruto counters his attacks, keeping an eye on all four arms, but the strength behind one of the attacks manages to catch him off guard, sending him flying and crashing into a pile of rubble.
"You're such a lightweight! Look at you bein' blasted away from just one hit! I guess I'm just too strong for my own good." Kimimaro taunts. He jumps into the air, ready to attack again. "Or are you just runnin' scared like a little coward? Is that it?"
It's Naruto's turn to catch him off-guard once again as he doesn't bother climbing out of the rubble, just aims a kick for Kimimaro's head. Kimimaro barely dodges the attack but he's so focused on Naruto's foot that he doesn't see the hand that follows, grabbing him by his head and slamming him into the rubble once more, "GRAH!" the dragon slayer cries out once more as he hits the ground with extreme force as Naruto grins down upon him. Naruto goes to follow it with his sword but Kimimaro rushes to block it with all four of his scythes.
"Damn you," Kimimaro hisses, struggling to hold Naruto back, arms shaking with exertion as his opponent suddenly grows stronger from their clash. Or at least appearing to be struggling; from the way his magic energy is dancing, Gajeel can see now that he's just baiting him.
"What?" Naruto taunts. "Is this all it's gonna take to finish you?"
Kimimaro narrows his eye at the blatant insult and in a flash extends a third set of arms, one of them impaling Naruto through the abdomen, "Dumbass. I told you that you ain't takin' even one of my arms," Kimimaro is smiling again as he pulls his arm free of Naruto. "I'm gonna use all six of these arms to take ya out!"
Levy gasps as Naruto spits up blood and Kimimaro's laughter fills the air.
Kimimaro flicks his wrists and another set of scythes join his armament, giving him six in total as he faces Naruto. "It's over, prey. I'll be glad to enjoy such a delicacy on my plate."
"Naruto-kun..." Levy whimpers.
"We need to do-" Gajeel goes to speak only for Yachiru to call out, "Don't!" stopping Gajeel from speaking, "I already told you." she warns, This is Naru-chan's fight." she says seriously, You heard me, didn't you guys?" she asks them, "He's not as simple as he likes to pretend to be and he's strong; he's more than capable of handling Kimimaru. This fight doesn't have much longer to go, but it might be a while longer before we can go home. Do you understand? Don't get in his way."
"Naruto... please..." Levy whimpers. There's a trace of resignation and a hint of fear, but she doesn't waver. Even as she grips her arms tightly, she's standing tall and Gajeel can even sense a spark of hope before Levy meets his gaze. She nods, a single dip of her head, but it's all Gajeel needs to know that Levy understands exactly what he's saying and is willing to go along. If she hadn't been, Gajeel wouldn't hesitate to fight this guy when he came for him as a buffet.
Gajeel offers a nod of his own and lets the conversation fade, both of them turning their attention back to the two combatants just as Naruto's grin is ever visible to all of the, and then he starts laughing, "Fuck yea! This is perfect! This is how it should be!" Naruto's smile is wild rapture, his magic energy dancing in exhilaration. His words draw looks of shock from all around as he says this, "What'd ya mean, 'over'? I've finally got a hole in me! Guess that makes the two of us even, huh? Now, how 'bout we begin again, show me more of this wondrous feeling wont you?" he roars elatedly.
Then, Naruto raises his sword, magic energy thrumming even more as he hones it, shaping and growing wildly as it pours out of his body to the point it actually becomes visible to the eye. This expellment of energy causes a cloud of dust to fill the air around them. Kimimaro, pissed at Naruto's carefree attitude, attacks and the battle goes from there, turning brutal hard and fast as they both finally fight all out.
~XxX-Play Bleach OST: Invasion-XxX~
Naruto slashes horizontally, a an tire section of tree's are cut in two from the sheer force of the swing, Kimimaro ducks under the powerful swipe, and slashes up and hacking into Naruto's flesh drawing a gout of blood from the eager redhead. Naruto's grin is as large as ever as he raises his sword, and brings it down with immense force. Kimimaro blocks with three of his blades, the ground shattering underfoot as his feet nearly buckle from the immeasurable force of the blow. Grunting in strain, the white haired dragon slayer lashes out with a kick that sends Naruto sliding back, kicking up a cloud of dust clouding them from view.
The cliff is soon revealed, Kimimaro running up the side of the rock formation where he leaps above it, and lashes out with three of his scythes, cutting off a fifty foot long chunk of stone that was thirty feet wide and sixteen feet thick. The shadow of the falling rock formation covers Naruto's position and a large portion of the battleground, if Naruto were to try and flee-he'd be no doubt crushed. However, Naruto was a member of Fairy Tail that had not ever once fled from a fight, and all of the guild knew of his reputation of fighting until the very end of each fight he partook in. So, even though the most logical option was for him to try and escape, it was a major shock to all of the group watching the scene when Naruto merely grinned as he thrust his sword up into the air, "Hasaiten (Smashing Point)" Naruto states.
And as the cliff comes into contact with his blade, the massive rock is turned to two halves of rock with a portion of where the blade touched blown to small bits, revealing a falling Kimimaru as he tried to dive-bomb the grinning redhead, the clash between them blasting out a shockwave of dirt and dust. The two dragon slayers draw back, readying themselves to clash once more, but it is Naruto who strikes first as his blade clashes with Kimimaro's left three as he slices into him with his left arms, a spray of blood filling the air as he does so.
However, even as he cuts the deep wounds into the redhead, the Fairy Tail Wizard is anything but deterred, the sight of his grin once more throwing the Fifth Generation off his game as Naruto swipes down and forcing him to block with more effort, and he begins to swipe wildly, drawing spray upon spray of blood from the redhead as he dices him up, cuts him apart, but to no avail of stopping the redheads rampage of enjoying the fight. With each blow that lands Naruto just laughs more in excitement.
His laughter continues to throw Kimimaro, who keeps attacking and slicing while Naruto takes it all in stride, for a loop. The redhead was laughing more with each drop of his blood that is spilled, his magic energy spiking and swirling with ever-growing enjoyment, taking honest pleasure in the fight. Kimimaro is thrown off-balance by the attitude and just tries that much harder, ire rising and strengthening his resolve to prove himself stronger, 'I don't understand. I'm the one slicing him up, he's the one bleeding. So why is it, that no matter how much I hurt him, he keeps getting back up?'
Kimimaro blocks a left swipe with wide eyes, trying to find a way to bring his prey down so he can devour him, but nothing he does works. With a slice to his cheek, Kimimaro withdraws with wide, shock filled, eyes. He gazes upon the madly grinning redhead, his form becoming shadowed in a way only he can see. The only thing he can make out of his opponent is a pair of white glowing eyes, and a glowing grin before a body is outlined in raw magic power.
To every man there is a cause which he would gladly die for...
It's golden glow encompasses the redhead's body, outlining his now terrifying form to Kimimaro.
Defend the right to have a place to which he can belong to...
Kimimaro grunts in frustration. This wasn't possible, "I'm the strongest~" he declares within his thoughts. There was no way a meager Sixth Generation meal could ever hope to be this powerful to stand up to him for this long without ever falling to him.
And every man who fights with his bare hands in desperation...
The aura of magic power increases, now a visible aura around Naruto that creates a veil of energy that fills the air with dread to all opposing his power, a pillar that is now seen above the tree's covering the islands. Kimimaro is now shaking in anger, "The strongest..." he once again thinks as the output of power continues to grow, and then takes shape of a massive roaring dragon's skull as it stands behind Naruto.
And shed his blood, to stem the flood, to barricade invasion...
"THE STRONGEST!" Kimimaro announces with chaotic eyes, and then he charges forward in madness. Not anger, but pure unadulterated psychotic rage, "You've pissed me off the last time! JUST HURRY UP AND DIE DAMMIT!" he bellows as he slashes wildly through the air. Kimimaro finally lands a blow that brings the fight to another standstill, his scythe slicing Naruto's neck.
Levy gasps at the sight of the blood while Gajeel cries out, "Naruto!" while Kimimaro grins as if he had finally defeated the redhead.
Naruto reaches up, putting a hand over the wound. His magic energy forms a weak seal, slowing the rate of the bleeding, but it's a temporary fix with the type of injury it is and Naruto knows it, "Hoo boy, that's a big one, at this rate, I really am gonna die," he laments. His eyes go to the sky, staring up at the clouds. "Don't think I'd like that much, dyin'." he sighs out.
"Naru-chan..." Yachiru whispers in worry.
Once the wound is as sealed as it can get, Naruto lowers his hand to look at the blood covering it, "Guess there's no helpin' it. It's been a long time since I had to break this out. That old 'kendo' shit." he states in annoyance.
"What the hell are you blabbering about?" Kimimaro asks.
"Back when I first started learning swordsmanship, the old man caught me one time and made me play along with that stuff for a while." He was serious about the catching part, Mercphobia literally chased him down and caught him before forcing the redhead to learn the basics. He'd hated it. "Doesn't fit my style, and honestly, puffed-up bullshit names like 'Way of the Sword' just pisses me off; I can't stand it. I never use the damn stuff, but there was one little thing that I really did kinda get." He holds the sword at the ready in front of him, eyes traveling the length of the blade before coming to rest on Kimimaro, "Did ya know? Swords, if you hold 'em in both hands, they're stronger than if you just hold 'em in one."
"Huh?" Kimimaro frowns when Naruto smiles. "The fuck're you blabbin' on about? A stupid thing like that, ain't it fuckin' obvious, you freak?"
Kimimaro charges forward, scythe in each hand.
"Hell, I wouldn't say that," Naruto refutes. "Ya just don't know, do you? Just how much stronger it can make a guy..."
As he continues to charge at his prey, Kimimaro is confused by his stance, "He's not moving an inch. Is he giving up?" the dragon slayer asks himself, if so then he sure as hell had earned his respect for the fight's endurance and roughness that it had put him through.
Naruto, however, is not giving up, for he shifts his sword to the center and brings his other hand up to hold his sword two-handed. He raises his sword up and slices down in a large blue arc of pure magic energy before Kimimaro reaches him, his magic energy blasting out. The sand and stone erupts into a geyser from the resulting shockwave. It comes crashing back down to the ground, creating a dust cloud that obscures everything from view for a moment. When it settles, Naruto is standing, sword still held two-handedly. Kimimaro is on his hands and knees gasping, his magic energy wavering-weakening. Part of his left horn is gone and there's a deep gash practically bisecting his body and the lower portions of his left arms are all severed.
"You're still alive?" Naruto asks, surprise and a touch of admiration in his magic energy. Kimimaro glares up at him, pure hatred in his eyes. Naruto just smiles, slinging his sword over his shoulder, "I'm impressed. You're pretty damn tough."
"Fuck," Kimimaro gasps, sitting back on his heels.
Naruto, realizing the fight is well and truly over, turns to leave. "See ya."
"W-wait!" Kimimaro calls out.
Naruto listens, stopping and glancing over his shoulder. "What's your problem? What're you shoutin' about?"
"Where the fuck d'you think you're goin'?" The bone user gasps out, seething as Naruto still hasn't faced him, that he's ready to just walk away without finishing their fight. "This fight ain't over yet!"
"What, are you stupid? That blow finished ya," Naruto explains, not understanding why Kimimaro is pushing. "I sure as hell can't be bothered to hang around, finishin' off an asshole who can't even fight back."
"Is that right? Then that's even more reason... why this ain't over. I'm damn well ready to keep on fightin'!" Kimimaro grabs the shoulder of his left arm with one hand, holding it tight while the other two grasp his scythes. When Naruto just stares at him dispassionately, Kimimaro growls. "What's wrong? Why don't ya say somethin'? Ya scared, punk? Speak, dammit!"
He charges forward once more and takes a running jump for one last attack that Naruto is ready for. Gajeel watches, thinking it a waste as the enemy falls to his knees, his magic energy wavering as it dwindles away. As he starts tipping forward, his energy fades and he's dead before he hits the sand.
Naruto stands over him, knowing as well as them that he's already dead but he still tilts his head and smiles. "Now that was fun, Kimimaro. And I usually don't say this to many opponents, but the real truth about me, is that I'm the sole 7th Generation Dragon Slayer in this world. I just lie so you don't run like a bitch like so many of your kind does. But I don't like eating people either. The old man made sure I knew the difference between our generations. And that, is what makes you, scum..."
Alright, tell me how that looks to you. LIKE/FAVORITE/FOLLOW to let me know your thoughts on it.
1: Figured Kimimaro would make a nice 5th Generation Dragon Slayer and would potentially reveal his skills later on in a flashback if I ever got back to this.
2: it's Nnoitra's sword from Bleach.