Naruto returned to his team, a faint blush still lingering on his cheeks as he tried to shake off the strange encounter with Gaara. The image of her, sitting with that unreadable yet determined look in her eyes as she tried to follow some "connection" advice from Make-Out Paradise, kept replaying in his mind. He shook his head, his face growing even hotter, and forced his focus back to the present as he approached Fu and Tayuya.
Both girls were seated on a nearby log, whispering quietly to each other, but their voices fell silent as they noticed him approaching. Fu was the first to greet him, her usual bright smile a little dimmer than usual but still genuine. "Welcome back, Fox Boy. You looked a bit… flustered over there," she teased lightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously. "Yeah, well… let's just say Gaara has an interesting way of… trying to make friends." He plopped down between the two of them, still feeling the heat in his cheeks. "Anyway, you guys aren't worried about this next part of the exam, are you?"
Tayuya scoffed, crossing her arms with a slight smirk. "Worried? Come on, we've handled worse than this, haven't we?" But her eyes held a hint of sadness, a shadow of the pain they'd been pushing down since Anko's death.
Fu's smile softened, and she shook her head. "Nope, not worried," she replied, though Naruto noticed the subtle tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers fidgeted nervously with the hem of her sleeve. "Besides, it's not like we're alone. We have each other, right?" Her attempt to sound upbeat was clear, but Naruto could see the struggle in her eyes.
He sighed, the weight of their shared grief pressing down on him. "Listen," he said gently, his voice sincere as he looked at each of them in turn. "You don't have to put on a brave face. We've all… been through something hard. Losing Anko… it doesn't make you weak to feel it."
Tayuya's smirk faded, and her gaze dropped, her shoulders slumping slightly as she glanced away. "I know, okay?" she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it's not like… it's not like we can just sit here and cry. We've got an exam to get through, and I'm not about to let her down by giving up." She lifted her chin, her eyes hardening with a fierce determination. "She'd want us to kick ass, not sit around feeling sorry for ourselves."
Fu nodded in agreement, her expression soft but resolute. "Exactly. She wouldn't want us to let this hold us back… She'd want us to keep going, to push forward no matter what." Her gaze met Naruto's, her eyes filled with a strength he hadn't noticed before. "For her, we have to do this. We can't just… give up."
Naruto looked between them, the determination in their faces a stark contrast to the sadness lingering beneath. He could feel it too—the ache, the loss—but he couldn't help but admire their resolve. "You're right… she wouldn't want us to back down," he admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "But that doesn't mean we have to pretend we're okay. We don't have to put up walls. Not with each other."
Fu smiled softly, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "I know. But being here, together… it makes it easier. Knowing I'm not alone." Her voice wavered slightly, and she swallowed, blinking away the moisture in her eyes. "We're doing this for her, Naruto. She'd be cheering us on if she were here, probably making some snarky comment about how we'd better make her proud."
Tayuya let out a low chuckle, nodding. "Yeah… she'd definitely have a few choice words for us if we even thought about quitting." Her smirk returned, a hint of her usual fire sparking back to life. "So, let's do this. Let's make her proud. For her."
Naruto felt his chest swell with gratitude, the warmth of their shared resolve filling the hollow ache left by Anko's absence. "Alright," he said quietly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "For her, we'll go all out. But remember… if things get too dangerous, we don't have to keep going. We'll look out for each other. Promise me that."
The girls nodded in unison, their hands overlapping his in a silent vow.
Fu's voice was barely a whisper as she spoke. "Promise."
"Yeah, we promise, idiot," Tayuya muttered, rolling her eyes, but her voice was soft, and her expression was sincere.
As soon as the alarm blared, signaling the start of the second exam, Naruto, Tayuya, and Fu darted into the dense foliage of the Forest of Death, their movements swift and calculated. Clutching their Earth scroll tightly, they moved in silence, their senses heightened, the weight of their mission clear. Naruto took the lead, focusing his chakra as he activated his sensory abilities, the familiar hum of his energy expanding around them like an invisible net.
"Hold up," Naruto murmured, coming to a stop. His eyes narrowed as he concentrated, feeling the distinct flicker of chakra signatures nearby. "We've got company. Three of them… closing in fast." His tone was low, urgent.
Fu and Tayuya exchanged a quick glance, nodding in silent agreement. "Think they're after our scroll?" Fu asked, her voice a whisper.
"Does it matter?" Tayuya muttered, gripping her flute with a dangerous glint in her eye. "If they want a fight, they'll get one."
Before they could prepare further, three figures emerged from the shadows of the trees, each clad in dark blue and gray, their faces obscured by masks. They moved in sync, positioning themselves in a triangle formation, effectively surrounding Naruto's team. The silence was broken as one of the ninjas lifted his hand, water swirling around his fingertips as he smirked.
"Hand over the scroll," he said, his voice echoing with cold authority. He raised his hand, displaying the engraved headband of the Hidden Mist, and a cruel grin spread across his face. "Or we'll just take it from your corpses."
Naruto's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on his wakazashi. "You Mist guys aren't the friendliest, are you?" He smirked, his voice laced with defiance. "Guess we'll have to disappoint you."
With a sudden burst of speed, the Mist ninja on the left lunged forward, his fist aimed directly at Naruto's face. Naruto dodged, twisting his body with practiced ease as he brought his blade up, slicing toward his attacker. The Mist ninja blocked the strike with a kunai, metal clashing in a spark of light.
At the same moment, Tayuya raised her flute to her lips, the eerie melody reverberating through the forest. She played a sharp, commanding note, summoning three monstrous forms from the ground—hulking creatures with twisted limbs and razor-sharp claws. With a flick of her fingers, she directed them toward the Mist ninja, her eyes gleaming with a deadly focus.
The Mist ninja on the right formed quick hand signs, water swirling around him as he called out, "Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu!" Streams of water shot from his mouth, hurtling toward Tayuya's summons with fierce force.
"Like hell you're getting me!" Tayuya snarled, adjusting her melody. Her creatures dodged the incoming attack with surprising agility, splitting up to corner the Mist ninja. She played a haunting, sharp note, commanding her summons to attack. They lunged, their claws extended, tearing into the Mist ninja's armor. Blood sprayed as one claw sank into his shoulder, tearing a pained cry from him.
The third Mist ninja vanished in a blur of movement, reappearing behind Fu with a kunai aimed at her back. She spun around, barely dodging the blade, her eyes flashing. "You'll have to do better than that!" she shouted, her chakra flaring as she used her partial bug transformation. Her arms became covered in a dense exoskeleton, her hand morphing into a sharp claw that slashed out at him.
The Mist ninja blocked, but the force of her strike sent him stumbling back, his face twisted with surprise. Before he could recover, Fu formed a hand sign, releasing a gust of wind chakra that blasted him backward into a tree with a sickening crunch.
Naruto found himself engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the first Mist ninja, their movements quick and brutal. The Mist ninja was relentless, throwing a series of rapid punches and kicks, each one met by Naruto's swift blocks and counters. Naruto spotted an opening and thrust his wakazashi forward, slicing across the Mist ninja's arm. Blood splattered across the ground as the Mist ninja gritted his teeth, but he didn't falter.
"You're tougher than you look, Leaf brat," he growled, wiping blood from his arm as he jumped back, forming a series of hand signs. "But let's see you handle this. Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
A thick fog rolled in, enveloping the area in an instant, obscuring everything in a damp, suffocating shroud. Naruto's heart pounded as he lost sight of his teammates. The Mist ninja's voice echoed from within the fog, taunting, "Think you can fight what you can't see?"
Naruto smirked, pulling a handful of water talismans from his pouch. "Nice trick," he muttered, slapping the talismans to the ground. With a quick surge of chakra, the talismans activated, releasing pulses of water energy that cut through the mist, thinning it enough for him to see the silhouettes of his attackers.
The Mist ninja cursed, realizing his advantage was slipping. Naruto locked eyes with him, a fierce determination blazing in his gaze. "Your jutsu might work on others, but not on me!" he shouted, lunging forward with his blade drawn. Wind chakra surged around his wakazashi, the blade glinting as it cut through the remaining fog, aimed directly at his opponent.
Meanwhile, Tayuya adjusted her melody, her summons now guided with lethal precision through the thin layer of mist that lingered. Her creatures tore into the Mist ninja on the right, rending armor and flesh, their claws digging deep into his sides. Blood pooled at their feet, staining the forest floor as the Mist ninja let out a strangled cry, collapsing to his knees.
Fu, dealing with her own opponent, extended her arm, channeling her bug transformation to form deadly, armored claws. She moved with fluid precision, each swing of her arm met with a counterattack as her opponent desperately tried to block her strikes. Her eyes narrowed, and she formed a quick hand sign. "Wind Release: Air Current Blast!"
A fierce gust of wind erupted from her hand, sending the Mist ninja flying back. He hit the ground hard, gasping for breath as he clutched his side, his expression twisted in pain. Fu didn't let up, advancing on him with deadly focus. She slashed forward, her claws raking across his chest, leaving deep, bloody gashes.
Naruto, now face-to-face with the last Mist ninja, raised his wakazashi, the wind chakra around it humming with deadly intent. "This is for Anko," he growled, slashing down. The blade met flesh, slicing cleanly across the Mist ninja's torso. Blood sprayed as the Mist ninja fell, his eyes wide with shock before they dulled, his body collapsing lifelessly to the ground.
Panting heavily, Naruto looked around, his gaze taking in the aftermath of the brutal fight. Tayuya's summons had reduced the remaining Mist ninja to bloodied, broken forms, their bodies twisted and torn. Fu was breathing hard, her hands covered in the blood of her opponent as she looked back at Naruto and Tayuya.
Tayuya lowered her flute, her breath ragged as she surveyed the destruction. "They didn't know who they were messing with," she muttered, spitting on the ground beside the fallen Mist ninja.
Fu exhaled deeply, wiping the blood from her hands. "We're not here to mess around," she said, her voice soft but resolute. She glanced at Naruto, her eyes hard. "For Anko."
Naruto nodded, a grim smile crossing his face. "Yeah. For her." They stood together, silent but united.
Naruto, Tayuya, and Fu stood over the fallen Mist ninjas, their breaths still heavy from the fight. Tayuya nudged one of the bodies with her foot, a smirk spreading across her face as she spotted something glinting beneath the folds of a torn flak jacket. She bent down, pulling out a scroll decorated with an intricate Heaven symbol.
"Well, well," she murmured, holding the scroll up for the others to see. "Looks like we hit the jackpot. All we need now is to reach the center."
Fu grinned, tucking their own Earth scroll safely into her pouch. "Anko must've had a hand in setting this up," she said, her voice softer, almost reverent. "It's too easy… it has to be her watching over us, right?"
Naruto nodded, his gaze lingering on the scroll. "Yeah… maybe she's giving us a little boost. Let's not waste it." He tucked the Heaven scroll into his pack, securing it. "Alright, let's head to the tower and get this over with. The faster we finish, the sooner we can make her proud."
With a collective nod, the three turned and started through the forest, moving with renewed determination toward the center.
….
Not far away, Sasuke, Sakura, and Karin had just fended off an attacker of their own. The lone ninja had been relentless, charging at them with a flurry of attacks that had left them bruised and winded. Sasuke knelt on one knee, his Sharingan blazing as he surveyed the now-defeated enemy, making sure there were no signs of movement before he relaxed his stance.
"Is everyone alright?" Sasuke asked, turning his head to look at Sakura and Karin. His voice was calm, but a hint of worry flickered in his eyes.
Sakura was breathing heavily, her hands scraped and raw, but she managed a determined nod. "Yeah… I'm fine. That guy was tougher than he looked." She brushed herself off, her gaze shifting toward Karin, who was clutching a talisman in one hand.
Karin nodded, adjusting her glasses as she tucked the talisman back into her pouch. "I'm okay too, but that was close," she admitted. "We should stay on guard. Who knows how many others are out there."
Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind tore through the clearing, knocking all three of them back and scattering them in different directions. Sasuke hit the ground hard, the impact jarring his senses as he scrambled to his feet, his eyes darting around to locate his teammates. "Sakura! Karin!" he called out, his voice cutting through the noise of the wind.
From the shadows emerged a figure—a woman with long, straight hair and an unsettlingly wide grin. She wore the headband of the Hidden Grass Village, her eyes narrowed as she sauntered toward Sasuke with a slow, predatory grace. Her voice was smooth, almost hypnotic as she spoke. "Such potential… and so much power hidden away in those eyes of yours," she murmured, her gaze locked onto Sasuke with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. "Let's see what you're capable of, shall we?"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, bracing himself as he took a step back. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion. But deep down, a flicker of fear stirred. There was something about this woman—something cold and sinister—that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
"Oh, me?" She let out a low, amused chuckle. "Just a passing ninja, testing her luck." She tilted her head, her grin widening. "But you… you're interesting, Sasuke Uchiha. You've got something I'm very curious about."
Sasuke's fists clenched, his Sharingan whirling as he dropped into a fighting stance. "If you're looking for a fight, you'll regret it," he snarled, his voice fierce.
She smirked, raising her hand in a casual wave. "Oh, I hope so. Now, let's see how much that Sharingan of yours can handle."
In a blur of movement, she lunged at him, her speed far beyond anything Sasuke had anticipated. He barely had time to react, dodging her strike by a hair's breadth as he countered with a series of kunai. She dodged them effortlessly, her grin never faltering, as if she were toying with him.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, feeling a surge of frustration. His eyes narrowed, and he charged at her, his Sharingan tracking her movements as he attempted to strike. But she moved like a shadow, twisting and evading every attack with ease.
"Come now, Sasuke," she taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. "Is that all the last Uchiha has to offer?"
Sakura, recovering from the impact of the wind, pushed herself to her feet, her eyes widening as she saw Sasuke struggling against the strange ninja. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, summoning her strength as she prepared to assist him. "Sasuke! I'm here!" she called out, her voice resolute.
The woman turned her head, her grin widening as she regarded Sakura with a dismissive glance. "Ah, the little kunoichi," she murmured, amusement flashing in her eyes. "Are you planning to play as well?"
Ignoring her taunts, Sakura lunged forward, throwing a series of punches with calculated precision. But the woman dodged with ease, sidestepping each strike as if it were nothing more than child's play. "You'll have to do better than that, dear," she sneered, her voice dripping with contempt.
Karin joined the fray, her eyes narrowed as she pulled out a talisman, channeling her chakra into it as she attempted to activate a sealing technique. She held the talisman forward, her voice firm as she chanted, "Sealing Art: Binding Talisman!"
The woman's grin faltered slightly as the talisman glowed, releasing a stream of chakra that wrapped around her, holding her in place. Karin grinned, her eyes shining with determination. "Got you!"
But the woman's grin returned, her eyes glinting with a sinister light. "Oh, a clever trick… but not clever enough." With a flick of her wrist, she sent a surge of dark chakra through her body, shattering the binds of the talisman with terrifying ease. Karin's face paled as the pieces of the talisman fell to the ground, powerless.
"Nice try," the woman sneered, her gaze fixed on Karin with a predatory gleam. "But you'll have to do better than that."
Sasuke gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting as he watched Karin's attempt fail. He steadied himself, his Sharingan blazing with renewed focus as he charged forward again, his movements sharper, more precise. He launched a kick aimed at her midsection, but she blocked it effortlessly, retaliating with a swift elbow strike that sent him sprawling to the ground.
"Too slow," she whispered, her voice taunting as she loomed over him, her grin widening. "You'll need more than those pretty red eyes to defeat me, Sasuke."
Sakura, seeing Sasuke down, clenched her fists and lunged at the woman again, her voice a fierce cry of determination. "Get away from him!"
But the woman sidestepped, her laughter echoing through the clearing as she evaded Sakura's attack. "You're all so predictable… It's almost sad, really."
Sasuke pushed himself up, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and determination. "Who… who are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with venom.
The woman tilted her head, her grin widening into something more sinister. "You can call me… Orochimaru," she said, her tone laced with satisfaction. "I've been waiting to see the power of the Uchiha… and now I'm not disappointed." Her gaze lingered on Sasuke, her eyes glinting with a hunger that sent a chill down his spine.
Sasuke's heart pounded as he locked eyes with her, his mind racing. The name was infamous, whispered in hushed tones across the villages—a rogue ninja, a monster.
Sakura and Karin moved to stand by his side, their faces tense with a mixture of determination and fear.
Orochimaru's smile deepened, and she extended her arms, as if inviting them to attack. "Well, Sasuke," she purred, her voice cold and mocking. "Let's see just how far you're willing to go."
Karin gritted her teeth, grabbing another talisman from her pouch, her face set with fierce determination. "This time… we're not letting you get away so easily!"
Sasuke's gaze hardened, his fists clenching as he prepared to face her head-on. "We're not done yet," he growled, his voice filled with steely resolve. "Bring it on."
The battle escalated to a brutal, terrifying intensity. Orochimaru moved with an unsettling speed, weaving through the air like a shadow, his serpentine grace making it impossible for Sasuke, Sakura, and Karin to keep up. His attacks were ruthless, each movement calculated to inflict maximum pain. Sasuke lunged forward, but Orochimaru swatted him aside, his hand striking Sasuke's arm with a sickening crack, bending it at an unnatural angle.
"Fools," Orochimaru sneered, watching as Sasuke clutched his injured arm, the pain twisting his face in agony. "Did you really think you could stand a chance against me?"
Sasuke activated his Sharingan, the red eyes blazing with a fierce desperation, but it was futile. Orochimaru seemed almost amused as he moved with a blur, disrupting any attempts Sasuke made to land a jutsu, his strikes precise, dismantling Sasuke's stance and breaking his spirit with each calculated blow.
Sakura tried to support Sasuke, throwing herself into the fray with a desperate scream, but Orochimaru sidestepped her, his cold laughter echoing through the forest. "You children are amusing," he murmured, twisting her arm until she dropped her kunai, a pained cry escaping her lips. He let her go, only to land a swift kick to her side, sending her sprawling to the ground.
Karin, shaking with fear but unwilling to abandon her friends, took a talisman from her pouch, her voice trembling as she chanted, hoping to seal him if even for a moment. But Orochimaru's gaze locked onto her, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent light. He lunged forward, disrupting her jutsu with a quick, brutal strike that sent her reeling.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, his breaths labored as he pulled himself to his feet, his Sharingan spinning with fury. "Why are you doing this? What do you want with us?" he demanded, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and anger. "Why did you attack Naruto and his sensei? What the hell do you want?"
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with a twisted amusement as he knocked Sakura out with a swift chop to her neck, her body slumping to the ground. He reached for Karin, his fingers wrapping around her throat, lifting her off the ground as she clawed at his arm, gasping for air.
"Oh, Sasuke," Orochimaru drawled, his voice dripping with cruel satisfaction. "I was simply teaching the Fox brat a few lessons… after he took something precious from me." He tightened his grip on Karin, smirking as her face turned pale, her legs kicking weakly in the air. "He and his sensei thought they could meddle in matters beyond their understanding."
"Run, Sasuke!" Karin gasped out, struggling to breathe as Orochimaru's grip tightened. "Get out of here! Just… run!"
Orochimaru's smile widened as he slammed Karin's head into a nearby stone, leaving a dark, glistening bloodstain as he dropped her limp body to the ground. Sasuke's heart pounded, horror twisting his insides as he saw Karin lying motionless, her face smeared with blood.
Orochimaru turned his gaze back to Sasuke, his expression gleeful, almost feverish. "You, Sasuke… you have something that I desire. That beautiful body of yours… and those eyes." His voice dropped to a low, hungry whisper. "I had hoped for your dear brother, but Itachi remains elusive. No matter… you will do just as well."
Sasuke stumbled back, his breaths coming in sharp, panicked gasps as Orochimaru advanced on him. "You're… insane!" he shouted, his voice shaking with fear and fury. "You're not getting anything from me!"
Orochimaru's grin only widened, his long, serpentine tongue flickering out as he chuckled. "Oh, but I will, Sasuke." He lunged forward, grabbing Sasuke by the collar and slamming him against a tree. Sasuke gasped in pain as his back collided with the rough bark, his vision blurring as blood trickled from cuts along his face. Orochimaru leaned in, his cold breath washing over Sasuke's face, his tongue flicking out to taste the blood on his cheek. "Yes… your body will do nicely."
Sasuke struggled, throwing punches and kicks in a desperate attempt to break free, but Orochimaru's grip was unyielding. He barely flinched as Sasuke's blows struck him, as though the attacks were nothing more than a mild annoyance. Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger, his hand tightening around Sasuke's throat.
"There's no point in fighting, little Uchiha," Orochimaru hissed, his voice a chilling whisper in Sasuke's ear. "By the end of today, you will belong to me." He drew back, raising his hand, ready to deliver the final blow to knock Sasuke unconscious.
But before his hand could connect, a swift kick smashed into Orochimaru's face, sending him flying back, his body slamming against a tree with a loud crash. Sasuke, dazed and barely able to comprehend what had happened, felt himself being held by strong, familiar arms.
"Are you okay?" a deep voice asked, filled with concern and strength.
Sasuke looked up, his vision clearing just enough to see Naruto's face, but it was different. Naruto's usual whisker marks were darkened, more pronounced, and his eyes glowed a fierce, dangerous red. Long, pointed fox ears stood out atop his head, and a single, thick tail swayed behind him, the markings of his second-stage curse mark amplifying his power. His muscles seemed larger, his presence intense and foreboding.
"Naruto…?" Sasuke breathed, his voice filled with disbelief and relief.
Naruto set Sasuke down, his gaze hard and unyielding as he kept his eyes on Orochimaru. "Rest, Sasuke. I'll handle this," he said firmly, his voice carrying a cold fury.
Orochimaru rose slowly, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. His eyes lit up with excitement as he looked at Naruto, his lips curling into a sinister smile. "Oh… I see. The Fox brat has come to join us," he murmured, laughing softly. "Did you come all this way just to share your fate with your dear friend?"
Naruto's fists clenched, his red eyes blazing as he took a step forward, his voice a dangerous growl. "I came here to end you, Orochimaru. I'm not letting you touch Sasuke."
Orochimaru chuckled, his aura darkening as he let his chakra flare, filling the air with a malevolent energy that sent a chill down Sasuke's spine. "End me?" he echoed, laughing mockingly. "Oh, you poor, deluded child. After I'm finished with you, I'll take Sasuke's body… and there's nothing you can do to stop me."
Naruto's tail swished behind him, and he took a low stance, his muscles tensed as he prepared for the inevitable clash. "You hurt my friends… you took Anko's life… and you think you're just going to walk away?" His voice was cold, each word laced with venom. "I'm not letting that happen."
Orochimaru's laughter rose, manic and twisted. "Oh, this is delightful!" he sneered, his eyes gleaming with a devilish light. "Come, Fox brat! Show me what you've got!"
Naruto didn't wait for another taunt. In a flash, he lunged forward, his fist colliding with Orochimaru's jaw with a resounding crack, sending him staggering back. Orochimaru's face twisted in surprise and fury as he regained his balance, a dark smile creeping across his face.
"Impressive strength," he mused, licking his lips. "But I wonder… how long can you keep it up?"
Orochimaru retaliated, his movements almost a blur as he closed the distance between them, his fingers curling into claws as he slashed at Naruto. Naruto dodged, barely avoiding the sharp nails that grazed his cheek, drawing a thin line of blood.
Naruto gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing as he focused his chakra, letting the curse mark's power flow through him. "I don't care how strong you are, Orochimaru," he growled, his voice low and fierce. "I'll make you pay for everything you've done."
Orochimaru lunged again, his laughter filling the air as he struck at Naruto with ruthless precision, their battle a deadly dance of speed and power. Naruto countered with a series of wind-infused strikes, each one aimed to keep Orochimaru at bay. But the snake-like man moved with unnatural fluidity, dodging and weaving, his eyes alight with sadistic delight.
Sasuke watched, his heart pounding as he struggled to his feet, the sight of Naruto battling Orochimaru both awe-inspiring and terrifying. He clenched his fists, feeling his own anger surge. This fight wasn't just Naruto's. Orochimaru had hurt all of them, taken something precious from them—and Sasuke wasn't about to let Naruto face him alone.
Summoning his remaining strength, Sasuke took a step forward, his Sharingan blazing as he joined Naruto, his voice filled with defiance. "You're not doing this alone, Naruto," he said, his tone fierce. "We'll take him down… together."
Naruto stood firm, his red eyes locked on Orochimaru, a fierce determination blazing within them. As he felt Sasuke's presence by his side, he turned to the Uchiha, a hint of gratitude softening his fierce gaze.
"Thanks, Sasuke," Naruto murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But this… this fight is mine. I need you to back off." His tone was steady but resolute, leaving no room for argument.
Sasuke's brow furrowed, a mixture of confusion and frustration crossing his face. "What are you talking about, Naruto? This guy—he's a monster! You can't take him on alone."
Naruto shook his head, a faint, sad smile tugging at his lips. "There's only one way this battle ends… with that snake freak's death. And it has to be me."
Before Sasuke could respond, Tayuya and Fu burst through the underbrush, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of Orochimaru and the bloodied forms of Sakura and Karin lying nearby.
"Fu! Tayuya!" Naruto called out, his voice filled with urgency. "Take the girls and get them out of here. Now."
Tayuya looked at him, her expression defiant. "Are you insane, Fox Boy? We're not leaving you alone with this freak!"
Naruto's gaze softened as he looked at them, his voice dropping to a gentler tone. "Please. I need you to trust me… and forgive me for what I have to do."
Fu's eyes filled with worry, and she took a step forward. "Naruto, what are you talking about? We're in this together. You don't have to face him alone."
Naruto took a steadying breath, his heart pounding as he looked at his friends, his family. "I know… and I love you both. But this is going to be the end." He forced a smile, a bittersweet glint in his eyes. "I… I need you to forgive me for this."
The two girls exchanged a look of confusion and fear, but something in Naruto's tone stilled them, a weight in his words that sent a chill through their hearts.
Turning back to Sasuke, Naruto placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. "Sasuke… I forgive you. For everything. For leaving, for the past… all of it. None of this was ever your fault, so don't carry that burden anymore." He swallowed, his throat tight. "What's about to happen is my choice… so don't blame yourself. None of you should."
Sasuke's red eyes widened, his face twisted in a mixture of anger and desperation. "Naruto, don't you dare do this! I'm not going to stand by and let you throw your life away!"
But Naruto just smiled, a soft, resigned expression on his face. "It's my decision, Sasuke." His gaze turned distant for a moment, filled with memories, pain, and a fierce sense of purpose. He reached into his pouch, pulling out a talisman, the intricate markings glinting in the dim light as he held it up.
"Fu… Tayuya…" Naruto's voice trembled as he looked back at his teammates. "Take care of each other, okay? And… remember, no matter what happens… I'll always be with you."
Tayuya opened her mouth to protest, but Naruto pressed his fingers to the talisman, placing it over the seal on his stomach. Instantly, the air around him grew heavy, charged with a dark, dangerous energy. He closed his eyes, feeling the power of the Nine-Tails surging through him, burning like fire as it spread, engulfing him.
The talisman crackled, and Naruto's body was enveloped in a fierce, blazing aura of red chakra. His skin darkened as the energy twisted around him, taking shape. One tail, then two… then three, four, five, and finally six tails erupted from his back, the chakra flickering and writhing like flames.
Fu and Tayuya gasped, stepping back as they felt the immense power radiating from him. Naruto's eyes opened, now glowing a deep, feral red, his expression almost unrecognizable—a fierce, animalistic look overtaking his usual warmth.
"Get them out of here," he growled, his voice distorted, carrying a primal, menacing undertone. "Now."
Fu's eyes filled with tears as she took a shaky step back. "Naruto… please… don't do this."
He turned his gaze to her, his expression softening for a brief moment, a hint of his old self breaking through the fierce chakra cloak. "Go," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Please… for me."
Tayuya clenched her fists, her face pale but resolute. She took Fu's arm, guiding her back, her own eyes filled with grief as she nodded. "Fine… but you'd better make it out of this, idiot." Her voice cracked, and she struggled to hold back her tears. "You're not allowed to die here, got it?"
Naruto nodded, the faint smile on his face a heartbreaking contrast to the monstrous aura surrounding him. "I'll do my best," he whispered.
Sasuke, his eyes wide and filled with rage, took a step forward. "I'm not leaving, Naruto. I'm not going to abandon you again!"
Naruto looked at him, the fierce glow of his chakra tails casting an eerie light across his face. "This isn't about abandoning me, Sasuke. This is about ending it." He placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder one last time. "Go. Protect them… protect our village. That's how you can help me."
Before Sasuke could argue further, Naruto stepped back, his chakra surging as he turned to face Orochimaru, who watched with a sinister grin, his eyes gleaming with interest.
"Oh, this is delightful," Orochimaru hissed, his voice dripping with twisted glee. "The Fox brat, unleashing his full power. You truly are fascinating, Naruto."
Naruto snarled, his six tails swaying behind him as he met Orochimaru's gaze, his red eyes blazing with a deadly focus. "You wanted a fight, Orochimaru? You're about to get one." He lowered his stance, the chakra flaring around him like a wildfire. "This ends here. You don't walk away from this."
Orochimaru chuckled, his tongue flickering out as he licked his lips, his aura darkening as he matched Naruto's intensity. "Then let's begin, shall we?" he sneered, his voice filled with anticipation.
Naruto didn't wait. In a blur of movement, he lunged forward, his chakra-infused fist aimed directly at Orochimaru's face. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the forest, shaking the trees and scattering leaves as Orochimaru staggered back, a gleam of excitement flashing in his eyes.
Fu, Tayuya, and Sasuke, still watching from a distance, felt the ground tremble beneath them as they saw the sheer ferocity of Naruto's power. Tayuya clenched her fists, her heart pounding as she fought the urge to rush back into the fray. "Naruto," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and hope.
Naruto turned to his team, his voice raw and filled with urgency. "Get out of here, all of you! Take Sasuke's teammates… Karin, Sakura… they're unconscious. Take them and go."
Tayuya and Fu looked at him, confusion and concern clear in their eyes. Tayuya, usually defiant and brash, looked uncharacteristically uncertain. "Naruto… you can't handle this guy alone. Look at him! He's not… he's not normal!"
Sasuke, catching his breath, took a shaky step forward, determination flashing in his red eyes. "No way I'm leaving, Naruto. I'm staying here, no matter what you say."
Naruto shook his head, his face hardening with resolve. "Sasuke… listen. This fight—it's out of all our leagues, including mine. But I'm the only one who stands a chance of stopping him." He clenched his fists, feeling the energy surge from Kurama inside him. "I can't risk any of you getting hurt. You need to leave."
Fu's lips trembled as she stepped forward, her voice breaking. "But, Naruto… we're supposed to do this together."
Naruto's gaze softened as he looked at her and Tayuya, his eyes filled with a deep, fierce affection. "I love you both. And I know you'd stay here if I asked… but this isn't a fight we can face as a team. It's something I have to do alone." He took a breath, steadying himself, before continuing, "Please, forgive me… for what I'm about to do."
Tayuya's eyes flashed with anger and fear, and she grabbed his arm, her grip desperate. "Damn it, Naruto, don't talk like this is goodbye! You think we're just going to walk away while you—"
Naruto placed a hand over hers, his voice soft but unwavering. "Tayuya… go. Please."
Reluctantly, Tayuya and Fu moved, each of them supporting Karin and Sakura, who lay limp in their arms. They exchanged one last glance with Naruto, their eyes filled with a mixture of anger, sorrow, and love. Sasuke's face was grim, the conflict clear in his expression. But Naruto met his gaze, his voice carrying a weight that left no room for doubt. "This isn't on you, Sasuke. Don't blame yourself for any of it."
Sasuke's jaw clenched, his fists shaking as he tried to muster words, but Naruto turned away, his attention fully on the threat in front of him. As they disappeared into the trees, Naruto took a deep breath, feeling the surge of Kurama's chakra intensify, the familiar heat coursing through his body like wildfire.
"Kid, stop this now," Kurama's voice echoed in his mind, rough and unyielding. "Your body can't handle this much of my chakra. Push any harder, and you're going to break apart."
Naruto's response was firm, almost resigned. "Then that's what it'll take," he muttered, his voice grim. "If this seal breaks and you get out… promise me one thing. You'll end that snake bastard's life."
There was a brief silence, and Naruto could feel Kurama's surprise, the unexpected respect tinged with a hint of reluctance. "You really are a fool, kid… but fine. I'll honor that, if it comes to it."
With a nod, Naruto focused, channeling the chaotic energy of the Nine-Tails as six blazing tails erupted from his back, their furious red glow casting an eerie light across the clearing. He looked up at Orochimaru, who was grinning, his eyes alight with twisted delight.
Without a word, Naruto surged forward, the ground cracking beneath him as he moved with blinding speed. He appeared in front of Orochimaru, his fist swinging upward with devastating force, slamming into Orochimaru's jaw with a bone-rattling impact. The sound echoed through the forest, a sharp, brutal crack as Orochimaru's head snapped back, and he was launched through a line of trees, each trunk shattering as he barreled through them.
Naruto winced, feeling his hand snap under the impact, the bones fracturing with the force of his own punch. But the red chakra quickly mended the injury, the bones realigning and healing in seconds. He didn't stop to recover, pushing off from the ground, his form a crimson blur as he leapt from tree to tree, closing in on Orochimaru's position.
As he reached Orochimaru, who was barely regaining his balance, Naruto unleashed another brutal punch with his left hand. The impact drove Orochimaru back, the shockwave shaking the branches as Naruto followed up with a spinning kick, twisting his body mid-air as his foot crashed into Orochimaru's side. The force twisted Orochimaru's torso, his body spinning like a ragdoll before colliding with another tree.
Orochimaru grunted, the pain flickering across his face for a brief moment, his gaze sharpening as he watched Naruto's relentless advance. "Such raw power," he murmured, his voice laced with intrigue and delight. "I underestimated you, Fox brat."
Ignoring the taunt, Naruto darted forward again, his fists crackling with chakra as he unleashed a barrage of punches. Each impact was brutal, his knuckles slamming into Orochimaru's chest, shoulders, and face, the sounds of bones cracking and flesh tearing mingling with Naruto's own muffled grunts of pain. Each punch shattered Naruto's hands, his bones splintering under the force, but the Nine-Tails' chakra healed him almost instantly, mending his body in real-time.
"You lack technique," Orochimaru sneered, dodging a punch by twisting his body with inhuman flexibility, his movements smooth and eerie. He countered, slipping past Naruto's guard with a sharp kick to his ribs, the impact sending Naruto skidding back, his feet digging furrows in the dirt.
Naruto gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain, his red eyes blazing with fury. He charged again, his fists a blur as he rained down blows. Orochimaru dodged and blocked, his smirk widening as he avoided most of the attacks, but a well-timed punch connected with his jaw, snapping his head to the side. Naruto seized the opportunity, grabbing Orochimaru by the leg and lifting him, swinging him overhead in a powerful arc before slamming him into the ground with a deafening crash.
The forest floor cracked under the force, and Orochimaru let out a hiss of pain, but his laughter only grew, echoing in the clearing as his body regenerated, the bruises fading from his face as he looked up at Naruto, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, his voice mocking. "For all that power… you're just a child with no finesse."
Naruto's face twisted in anger, his teeth bared as he lunged forward. "Shut up!" he snarled, his voice a furious growl. He kicked out with his right leg, the impact shattering his foot but sending Orochimaru flying, his body tumbling through the air.
Naruto took a deep breath, inhaling before releasing a massive stream of fire from his mouth, the flames engulfing Orochimaru as he plummeted to the ground. But as the charred figure hit the earth, it crumbled into a husk, revealing Orochimaru's true form slithering out from beneath the ground, his snake-like arms extending and latching onto Naruto's legs, pulling him down and dragging him through the dirt with a vicious strength.
With a sickening laugh, Orochimaru slammed Naruto through a line of trees, the impact sending splinters and debris flying. He advanced, his fingers elongating into razor-sharp claws as he struck out at Naruto, his blows precise and brutal. Naruto barely managed to block, his forearms taking the brunt of each strike, the bones fracturing under the relentless assault.
Naruto retaliated, pushing himself off the ground and delivering a brutal uppercut that connected with Orochimaru's chin, the force sending him stumbling back. But Orochimaru recovered swiftly, his laughter filling the air as he twisted, his leg sweeping out to catch Naruto in the side, knocking him back.
Both fighters staggered, each breathing heavily, their bodies battered and bloodied. Naruto bent over, his breaths labored as he coughed, a trickle of blood dripping from his mouth. Inside him, Kurama's voice echoed with a mixture of frustration and concern. "You can't keep this up, kid. This fight is killing you."
Naruto clenched his fists, his voice barely a whisper as he replied, "I know… but I can't stop now. I have to do this… for her." His eyes burned with a fierce determination as he glared at Orochimaru, his mind filled with memories of Anko, her laughter, her strength, her life taken far too soon.
Kurama growled, his tone softening. "You're being reckless… She wouldn't want you to throw your life away like this, and you know it."
Naruto forced down the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. "I have to… for her sake."
Orochimaru rose, dusting himself off, his eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement. He chuckled, his voice laced with scorn as he addressed Naruto. "Oh, it's adorable, really… this determination of yours. But you're all bark and no bite, little fox."
Naruto's expression darkened, his fists trembling with rage as Orochimaru continued, his voice dropping to a cruel whisper. "And that woman, Anko… she was worthless. A pathetic little creature who couldn't even serve as a proper experiment. She failed, just like you will. I'm sure she was grateful that I ended her miserable existence."
The words cut deep, like knives twisting in Naruto's heart. His vision blurred with red as a furious growl escaped his throat. Orochimaru's laughter grew, deep and menacing, his eyes filled with a twisted delight as he watched the fury in Naruto's gaze.
"Oh, you really did care for her, didn't you?" Orochimaru sneered, his smile widening. "It's almost poetic. A worthless woman… and an equally worthless little fox." He laughed, the sound reverberating through the forest as he reveled in Naruto's anger, feeding off his pain.
Naruto's body shook, the energy surging within him reaching a fever pitch as he braced himself, his gaze locked on Orochimaru with a deadly resolve. He would make the snake pay, no matter the cost.
Naruto's mouth opened, a dark, pulsing sphere of energy forming between his jaws, an orb of positive and negative chakra swirling and intensifying with each second. Kurama, deep within Naruto's mind, watched with a mix of surprise and alarm. Is this brat really attempting a Tailed Beast Bomb? In this state? The Nine-Tails grumbled, but he could feel his own chakra surging involuntarily, guiding Naruto's actions as if instinct had taken over.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, sensing the sheer destructive force building in Naruto's mouth. He leapt back, his movements swift and calculated, just as a beam of pure devastation erupted from Naruto's mouth, obliterating everything in its path. The blast tore through trees, leaving a smoldering line of destruction across the forest.
Naruto's body trembled as he landed, but he kept his focus. He quickly reached into his pouch, pulling out a wind talisman and pressing it to his arm. With a surge of chakra, the talisman released blades of slicing air, arcing through the air like invisible razors. Orochimaru barely had time to react as the blades cut through him, hacking off his arms and legs in quick succession.
But even as the severed limbs hit the ground, they reattached themselves, reforming almost instantly. Orochimaru let out a mocking chuckle, his grin widening as he saw Naruto's frustration.
"Is that all, little fox?" Orochimaru taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "For all your rage, all your power… you're still just a child, lashing out in desperation."
Naruto cursed under his breath, steeling himself. I have to finish this… before my body gives out. With a fierce determination, he blitzed forward, his form a blur as he aimed a spinning kick at Orochimaru's head. But Orochimaru ducked with ease, twisting his body with a serpent's fluidity and delivering a powerful uppercut. Naruto's head snapped back, his vision blurring as he crashed through a tree, splinters flying as he tumbled to the ground.
Groaning, Naruto pressed his hands together, transforming his body into countless sheets of paper, which flew upward in a whirlwind before reforming into his humanoid shape. As he completed the transformation, his chakra surged, and two additional heads formed on either side of his own, each mouth now forming a separate Tailed Beast Bomb.
Orochimaru's eyes widened, realizing the impending danger. He quickly formed hand signs, his fingers a blur as he summoned a Triple Rashōmon barrier. Three massive gates materialized between him and Naruto, towering walls of reinforced chakra meant to withstand the fiercest attacks.
With a furious roar, Naruto unleashed all three Tailed Beast Bombs simultaneously. The blasts tore through the air, creating a deafening shockwave as they collided with the Rashōmon gates. The explosion was blinding, the sheer force of it obliterating the gates, leaving only a smoldering crater where the walls had once stood. The ground shook as debris rained down, and Orochimaru was buried under the rubble, his sinister grin momentarily disappearing beneath the dust and destruction.
But Naruto wasn't done. He extended his hand, forming two chakra arms that shot out, grabbing hold of Orochimaru's body and yanking him out from the debris. With his other chakra arms, Naruto seized Orochimaru's limbs, his grip tightening with a bone-crushing force.
"This ends now!" Naruto growled, his voice an echo of fury as he pulled, tearing Orochimaru's body in half. But as the halves hit the ground, they melted into mud, revealing that it was yet another clone.
"Persistent, aren't you?" Orochimaru's mocking voice hissed from behind him, just as a volley of sharp air bullets shot through the smoke, hurtling toward Naruto. He twisted, dodging as many as he could, but a few sliced into his knee, cutting deep and sending a fresh burst of pain through his leg.
"Damn it!" Naruto spat, barely able to regain his balance before Orochimaru was upon him again. The snake-like man's body elongated, his torso twisting and coiling around Naruto's form, binding him tightly as he sneered.
"Such a shame, Fox Boy," Orochimaru hissed, his voice dripping with sadistic glee. "You were so full of potential, but look at you now… broken, exhausted, clinging to power you can't control."
Naruto struggled, his chakra flaring as he tried to break free, but Orochimaru's hold only tightened. With a flick of his wrist, Orochimaru summoned a surge of lightning, sending a powerful shock through Naruto's body. Naruto cried out, his muscles seizing up as the electricity tore through him, his vision flashing with white-hot pain.
"A fitting end for a wild animal," Orochimaru sneered. His long, forked tongue slipped from his mouth as he opened wide, pulling a blade from his throat. With a twisted smile, he drove the blade directly into Naruto's chest, piercing his heart. Naruto gasped, blood spraying from his mouth as he struggled against the pain, his vision swimming.
Through the agony, Naruto let out a guttural scream, his tails lashing out, breaking Orochimaru's hold just enough for him to land a desperate kick to the snake's face, launching him across the crater. Naruto collapsed to the ground, his breathing ragged as he clutched his chest, feeling his body start to heal, though the effort was excruciating. His limbs trembled, his vision blurring as his blood vessels began to burst, his skin cracking under the intense strain.
Kurama's voice echoed in his mind, a mix of frustration and concern. Kid, you're killing yourself! You can't keep pushing your body like this—you're reaching your limit!
"I know that… but I can't stop," Naruto gasped, his voice weak but filled with resolve. "I have to end him… for her…"
Kurama's growl softened, a hint of empathy in his tone. You're acting like a fool. She wouldn't want this… and you know it.
Naruto clenched his teeth, his gaze hardening as he forced himself to stand. "I don't care… I have to finish this."
Orochimaru stood up slowly, brushing the dirt from his robe as he looked at Naruto with a mixture of amusement and pity. "Is that all, Fox Boy?" he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "It's almost cute, really. Watching you struggle, throwing everything you have… all for nothing."
Naruto glared, his fists clenching as he felt his chakra tails retracting, leaving only four, his body weakening as exhaustion began to take hold.
Orochimaru's grin widened as he took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "And that woman, Anko… she was worthless. A pathetic, insignificant creature who only ever existed as a failed experiment. It was a mercy that I ended her miserable life. She was probably relieved that it was finally over."
Naruto's blood boiled, fury blinding him as Orochimaru's words cut deep, his heart pounding with rage. "You… you're lying!"
Orochimaru laughed, a cold, cruel sound that filled the air. "Oh, I assure you, it's true. Anko was nothing but a failure… a tool. And when I'm done with you, I'll hunt down every one of your friends, every last one, and I'll end them, too. One by one, I'll make sure they die… in front of you, if I can help it." He leaned in, his face inches from Naruto's, his voice dropping to a sinister whisper. "And then, I'll take that red-eyed friend of yours…his body will do quite nicely."
Something snapped in Naruto, a deep, primal rage rising from within him. He let out a roar, his chakra flaring, his entire body pulsing with raw, unfiltered fury as he lunged at Orochimaru. But before he could strike, Orochimaru's hand shot out, weaving a quick series of hand signs before slamming his palm against Naruto's stomach.
Naruto's eyes widened as he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, the connection to Kurama severing in an instant. The power of the Nine-Tails vanished, leaving Naruto drained, vulnerable.
Orochimaru's grin widened, his fingers digging into Naruto's shoulder as he leaned close, his voice a mocking hiss. "Now, little fox… let's see how strong you really are… without your precious monster."
Orochimaru watched with a sadistic smile, his eyes glinting with twisted pleasure as he casually approached Naruto's weakened form. As Naruto tried to throw a punch, Orochimaru caught his wrist, twisting it sharply until a sickening snap echoed through the clearing.
"ARGH!" Naruto's scream tore through the air, but it was quickly cut off as Orochimaru drove his boot into Naruto's face, the impact sending him flying across the crater. He tumbled and rolled, his body leaving a trail in the dirt as he came to a stop, barely conscious and gasping for air.
Orochimaru chuckled, his laughter echoing ominously as he sauntered over to Naruto, who lay in the dirt, bloody and exhausted. With trembling fingers, Naruto reached for a talisman from his pouch, his mind racing as he planned to use it to unseal Orochimaru's Five Elements Seal. But before he could activate it, Orochimaru's hand closed around his wrist in a vice-like grip.
"Oh, not so fast, little fox," Orochimaru sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. He tightened his hold, and Naruto let out a strangled cry as the bones in his hand cracked under the pressure. With a quick, brutal motion, Orochimaru crushed Naruto's hand, the talisman falling to the ground, stained with blood that oozed from the shattered fingers.
Naruto's scream filled the clearing, his vision blurring with the overwhelming pain. Orochimaru's face loomed above him, that sickening smile widening as he reveled in Naruto's suffering. Grabbing Naruto's hair, he yanked him up, then slammed his head into the ground with brutal force. Again and again, Orochimaru smashed Naruto's head into the dirt, each impact sending fresh waves of agony through Naruto's body.
When he finally let go, Naruto was coughing up blood, his nose broken, his face a mask of bruises and cuts. He lay sprawled, barely able to breathe as his mind swam in a haze of pain and despair.
Orochimaru straightened, his hand reaching for the blade at his side. With a twisted grin, he drove it through Naruto's legs, pinning him to the ground. Naruto cried out, his voice raw and hoarse as he felt the searing pain lancing through his legs, the edges of his vision growing dark.
"Oh, don't pass out just yet," Orochimaru murmured, crouching down beside Naruto, his eyes gleaming with malevolent satisfaction. He leaned in, his face inches from Naruto's, his voice dropping to a mocking whisper. "I want to savor this moment. Look at you… so weak, so helpless. And to think, you actually believed you could stop me."
Naruto's face twisted with pain, tears beginning to well up in his eyes despite his efforts to hold them back. Orochimaru noticed and let out a delighted laugh, reaching out to wipe a tear from Naruto's cheek with a mocking gentleness. "Oh, how precious," he taunted. "Are you crying for that worthless woman? Don't worry… you'll join her soon enough."
But before Orochimaru could continue, a blazing stream of fire shot through the clearing, the flames mixed with oil, making them burn hotter and brighter. Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, and he leapt back, barely avoiding the inferno as it scorched the ground where he'd been standing.
A thick puff of smoke erupted beside Naruto, and through his haze of pain, he squinted, his vision clearing just enough to make out the shape of a large toad. Standing on top of it was a strange man, his long white hair flowing around him, a red and green haori draped over his shoulders. His stance was powerful, commanding, and his eyes were sharp with an intensity that seemed to cut through the very air.
The man's voice boomed across the clearing. "You've got a lot of nerve, Orochimaru, showing your face here and attacking a Leaf ninja."
Orochimaru's expression shifted, irritation replacing his smugness as he spat, "Oh, spare me the theatrics, Jiraiya. I know exactly who you are. And who are you trying to impress with that entrance?"
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, looking down at Naruto with a soft smirk. "Well, maybe the kid here," he said, his voice warm but firm. "Looks like he's had a rough time… wouldn't hurt to show him a little flair."
Naruto, still pinned and barely holding on to consciousness, looked up at Jiraiya, his vision swimming. Who… who is this guy? he thought weakly, feeling a faint hope stir in his chest.
Jiraiya glanced back at Orochimaru, and his face hardened, anger flickering in his eyes. "Orochimaru, you've gone too far. Killing and attacking your former comrades… it was one thing when you left the village, but to come back and start causing chaos? Even for you, that's low."
Orochimaru sneered, crossing his arms. "Please, Jiraiya. Don't act like you understand me. I'm here for Sasuke, and nothing more. But the Fox brat decided to interfere." His gaze shifted back to Naruto, a look of annoyance flashing across his face. "I had everything under control until you decided to show up."
Jiraiya chuckled, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Oh, sure, looks like you had it all under control. That's why the kid here looks like he was mopping the floor with you."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, frustration clear in his gaze as he regarded Jiraiya. "I don't have time to waste on you," he muttered, his voice cold. His gaze flickered to Naruto, a dark promise lingering in his eyes. "But mark my words, Jiraiya. We'll meet again. And I'll take what I came here for."
With a final, hateful glare, Orochimaru's form twisted and faded into the shadows, disappearing from sight.
As the eerie silence settled over the clearing, Jiraiya jumped down from the toad, his face softening as he knelt beside Naruto. "Hey, kid. You're in pretty rough shape."
Naruto looked up at him, his vision blurred, a mixture of relief and confusion flickering in his eyes. "Who… are you?"
Jiraiya grinned, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "The name's Jiraiya. The Great Toad Sage, legendary Sannin, and—" he paused, looking around dramatically, "ladies' man extraordinaire." He winked, but his gaze softened as he took in Naruto's battered form. "But right now, I'm just the guy who's here to get you out of this mess."
Naruto let out a weak chuckle, wincing from the pain. "You… showed up… just in time."
Jiraiya placed a steady hand on Naruto's shoulder, the warmth of his chakra flowing into Naruto, easing the pain just slightly. "Rest easy, kid. We'll get you patched up. You did good… more than anyone could've expected."
Naruto took a deep breath, reaching into his pouch for a talisman. He pressed it to his stomach, allowing the seal to dissolve Orochimaru's Five Elements Seal. Instantly, a rush of energy surged through him as Kurama's chakra returned, warmth and power flooding his body, knitting his wounds back together. He exhaled, feeling the pain recede as his strength slowly returned.
But as his body healed, Naruto's vision shifted, and he felt himself pulled inward, slipping into a familiar mindscape—the dimly lit space that housed the colossal figure of Kurama.
Standing before the immense, looming presence of the Nine-Tails, Naruto felt a mixture of gratitude and frustration. Before he could speak, Kurama's deep, rumbling voice echoed through the space, laced with irritation. "You reckless fool. Charging in with no plan, pushing your body to the brink. Are you that eager to throw your life away?"
Naruto shook his head, a stubborn look crossing his face. "I had no choice, Kurama! That snake bastard—he killed Anko! And he'll keep coming after the people I care about. I have to find him… I have to make him pay."
Kurama's eyes narrowed, the fiery glow intensifying as he fixed Naruto with a harsh gaze. "Enough. You need to stop this nonsense, boy. If I hadn't slowed you down back there, if I hadn't reined in the chakra, you'd be dead right now, lying in a crater next to that snake."
Naruto tried to take a step forward but stumbled, his body still weak despite the healing. He dropped to his knees, frustration and anger twisting his expression. "I don't care, Kurama. I'm ready to die if that's what it takes. Why did you stop me? Why did you interfere?"
Kurama let out a frustrated growl, his massive form shifting as he loomed closer, his fierce eyes piercing into Naruto's. "You really think I stopped you for your sake? That I care about your foolish desire for revenge?"
Naruto's fists clenched, his voice rising in defiance. "Then why, Kurama? You don't care about me. You're just waiting for a chance to break free."
A low, dangerous growl rumbled through the mindscape, and Kurama bared his teeth, his face twisting in anger. "Don't flatter yourself, boy. I stopped you because of her. Anko. In a world full of hatred, one person… one human… treated me—treated us—with respect, with decency. For her sake, I didn't let you throw your life away like an idiot."
Naruto stared at Kurama, surprise and a flicker of understanding dawning in his eyes. But still, he shook his head, muttering bitterly, "Bullshit. Like you'd ever care about her or anyone else."
Kurama's eyes blazed, the sheer force of his anger filling the mindscape. He leaned in, his fangs gleaming as he snarled, "Don't test me, boy. You don't know the half of what I've seen, the hatred I've endured. Anko… she was the only one who didn't look at me with fear or disgust. She showed kindness where there was none. For that, I honored her memory by stopping you from making the same mistake."
Naruto's gaze dropped, his voice quieter, tinged with guilt. "I'm sorry, Kurama… I didn't know. I just… I just didn't know what else to do." His voice trembled, his fists clenching as he fought back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "I'm lost. I don't know how to deal with this."
Kurama let out a slow, calming breath, his voice softening, though still firm. "Then stop pretending to be a martyr. Right now, you're in no shape to face Orochimaru, or anyone, for that matter. Your body is hanging on by a thread. You need time to recover, to think clearly. Don't use my chakra for now; rely on your own strength until you're fully healed."
Naruto nodded, a flicker of resolve returning to his gaze. "Alright… I get it. I'll hold back for now, no more chakra until I'm fully recovered."
Kurama's gaze softened slightly, a strange expression crossing his face. "Good. And remember… she wouldn't want you to throw your life away. Live, for her sake… and for your own."
With that, Naruto felt himself being pulled back to reality, the mindscape fading away as he opened his eyes, still feeling the warmth of Kurama's chakra lingering faintly.
He looked up to see Jiraiya watching him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Naruto took a deep breath, steadying himself before meeting the man's gaze. "I… I need to get back to my teammates. They're probably wondering what happened."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms with a faint smirk. "So that's it? Not even a 'thank you' after I saved your life, huh?"
Naruto managed a weak grin, his voice laced with gratitude despite his exhaustion. "Thanks, I guess… Old Man Sage."
Jiraiya's expression shifted, a look of exaggerated offense crossing his face. "Old Man Sage? Kid, I am the great Jiraiya, the Toad Sage! Show a little respect, would you? Especially after I just rescued you from certain death with that snake."
Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, Great Toad Sage. Thanks for the save."
Jiraiya grumbled, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Kids these days… no respect for their elders, especially the ones who risk their necks to pull them out of a mess. Next time, try not to get yourself killed, alright?"
Naruto gave a small, tired nod, a determined look flickering in his gaze. "I'll do my best."
With that, he performed a quick hand sign, body flickering out of sight as he headed back toward his team. Jiraiya watched him go, a thoughtful expression on his face as he murmured to himself, "That kid… maybe there's more to him than I thought."
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay with this update; I'm working hard to get back on schedule. I really appreciate all of your support and patience—it means a lot to me!
For this chapter, I made it a little extra long as a thank-you for sticking with me. I tried to emphasize the intense battle and show how Naruto relies heavily on brute strength right now. This experience should be a turning point for him, pushing him to adapt and refine his fighting style. I'm excited to explore where this will take him!
Thanks again for reading, and as always, I'm grateful for each and every one of you.