Chapter 55: Raditz
The full moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie light over the Valley of the End.
The first to fall was Koji, his neck snapped with a sickening CRACK. Blood sprayed as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
"Koji!" shouted Chan, leaping forward with kunai in hand. The Saiyan swatted him away effortlessly, sending him crashing into a boulder with a resounding demolition.
Chan's body went limp, his spine shattered.
"What... what is he?" Akemi whispered, her voice trembling.
"Focus!" Itachi commanded, forming the hand seals for a Katon jutsu. The massive flame roared towards their foe, but he merely laughed, jumping directly through it as if it were a minor inconvenience.
Riku, their second heaviest hitter, charged in with his massive broadsword. "I'll cut you down!"
With a single punch, the man shattered Riku's sword and caved in his chest. The shinobi fell to the ground, gasping for the air that would never fill his lungs again.
He was as good as dead.
Itachi's heart pounded in his chest. He had to protect his team. He activated his Susano'o, the spectral warrior forming around him, shielding him and his remaining squad from the man's assault. "Get back!" he ordered, but it was too late.
The man moved with blinding speed, tearing through their ranks. Kyo and Hana fell next, their screams echoing through the valley as their bodies were brutally crushed by the overwhelming power he possessed. Itachi's Susano'o shielded he alone, but it was clear this enemy was toying with them.
"Where is Kakarot?" the man demanded, ripping the head off of the last member of Itachi's squad, his voice dripping with malice. "You seem smarter than the rest. Tell me, where is he?"
Itachi's eyes burned with fury and despair. "I don't know who Kakarot is. There are powerful people on this planet who might have defeated him if he were a threat. And they'll come for you too."
The man chuckled darkly, his gaze fixed on Itachi. "We'll see about that."
Itachi activated the Tsukuyomi, the world around them warping into a nightmarish illusion. But the man merely blinked, shattering the illusion with a flex of his will. What the-
He blitzed forward, his fist crashing into Itachi's Susano'o, shattering it with a single punch.
"Impossible..." Itachi muttered, the black flames of Amaterasu erupting around the man. He roared at this development, the flames consuming him... but with another flex of his power, he jettisoned them off of his frame.
"You're weak," the man sneered, backhanding Itachi's face into Madara's statue before anything else could occur. The impact left a considerable hole, and Itachi's vision blurred as he struggled to stand.
That was the hardest hit he had ever received in his life. By far.
Footsteps approached, each one a thunderous reminder of his impending doom. The man stepped over Itachi, his grin menacing. He rose his black boot, and with a wicked grin stomped on Itachi's stomach, the force breaking all his ribs instantaneously.
"ARGGHH!" Itachi screamed, the sound echoing through the valley.
"You're pathetic," the man laughed, stomping again.
Itachi's scream was even more agonizing as his innards became mangled.
Itachi's vision dimmed, his thoughts drifting to Yugao and their unborn child. Was this how it ended? Would he die here, failing to protect those who needed him? Was history repeating itself to that end?
The man raised his foot for a final stomp, his laughter ringing out. "This is the end for you."
Itachi's mind raced, desperate for a solution. "Please... don't do this. We can... help you find who... you're looking for."
The man hesitated mid-stomp, his expression curious. "And why should I believe you?"
Itachi coughed, blood spilling from his lips. "Because... we want to live. We want to protect our home."
The man's grin widened. "How touching. But I don't care."
He brought his foot down with deadly intent, and Itachi braced for his death.
The expected final stomp never came. Raditz's scouter beeped frantically, detecting a rapidly increasing energy.
500... 600... 700... 900... 1000... 1100... 1300!
The beeping became a cacophony of warning sounds, and before Raditz could react, a thunderous kick struck him with the force of Mercury exploding, sending him hurtling through the head of Hashirama Senju's statue and beyond. BOOOOOOM!
Raditz crashed into the valley below, dazed and confused. Standing where he had been was Lee, his body radiating a green aura, veins bulging from the intense strain of the Kyōmon, the Gate of Wonder. His all-white, pupil-less eyes were filled with concern as he knelt beside the dying Itachi.
"Itachi-san, stay with me," Lee urged, his voice a mix of desperation and determination. He pressed his fingers to Itachi's neck, feeling the faint pulse growing weaker by the second.
The Uchiha struggled to speak, his voice barely a whisper. "Lee... the communicator... hand it to me."
Lee quickly obliged, placing the device in Itachi's trembling hand. With a final surge of willpower, he activated it. "Kakashi... send Naruto and Sasuke... immediately. The guy from the UFO... much stronger... killed everyone... I might be next..."
Kakashi's response was cut off by a distant shout. "Saturday Crash!"
Lee's eyes widened in horror. He did the only thing he could think of—he threw himself over Itachi, using his own body as a shield. The blast engulfed them, leveling their half of the Valley of the End and utterly destroying the Madara statue in a deafening explosion.
KABOOOM!
Raditz descended through the smoke, his boots clicking ominously on the ground. His scouter confirmed the disappearance of the 408 power level, and he laughed at his apparent victory.
The DBZ-verse was now here, and unfortunately we are going to see just how fodder the high-tiers of the Naruto-verse were in comparison to the likes of even Raditz. Even someone the calibre of Uchiha Itachi stood zero chance.
As the smoke cleared, he observed a heavily damaged figure standing in the rubble. Shirtless, with veiny skin and a green aura still flickering around him, Lee stood, his back riddled with burns and muscles strained to their limit. In his arms, the ashes of Itachi's remains slipped through his fingers, carried away by the wind.
Raditz's cackling intensified. "Impressive. You're still alive after that? You're much stronger than the others, I'll give you that."
Lee's fury was palpable. His face twisted in rage and sorrow as he glared at Raditz. "You monster... you killed them all..."
Raditz smirked, relishing Lee's suffering. "And I'll kill you too, just like I did your friends. You'll see them in hell soon enough."
Lee's body trembling with rage. "I won't let you... I can't fail... not again."
Raditz scoffed. "Your power level is a mere 800 now. You were weaker than me at full health, and now you're just a broken shell. What chance do you have?"
Lee's eyes, devoid of pupils, burned with intense determination. His body trembled not from fear, but from the immense power coursing through him. He knew what he had to do. This was no longer a battle he could win with mere strength; he needed something more, something that would push him beyond his limits.
And then a dastardly smirk formed on his lips. "Don't underestimate the heart of a shinobi."
With a swift and resolute movement, he drove his thumb into his own heart. The effect was immediate and explosive. Red chakra erupted from his body, engulfing him in a fiery aura that illuminated the entire ravine. The ground beneath him cracked and shattered, unable to withstand the sheer force of his energy.
KRAKOOOOOM!
Raditz's eyes widened in shock, his scouter blaring as it struggled to keep up. "What... what is this power?"
Lee's voice was a deep, resonant growl, filled with both pain and resolve. "This is the Eight Gate... the Gate of Death. I will protect my village... my friends... with everything I have."
The transformation was awe-inspiring. Lee's skin turned a deep shade of red, his muscles bulging to almost grotesque proportions. The ground trembled as his power continued to rise, surpassing anything Raditz had ever encountered in a confrontational sense. His aura blazed like an inferno, the intense heat and energy distorting the very air around him.
With a primal roar, Lee's aura exploded, sending a shockwave that rattled the heavens and earth. The power he unleashed was unlike anything the shinobi world had ever seen. RUMBLE! The ground beneath him continued to crack and fissure, creating deep chasms that spread outwards.
Raditz's scouter beeped furiously, struggling to keep up with the escalating energy. The numbers on the device climbed higher and higher, each beep more frantic than the last.
1500... 2000... 2500... 3000... 3500... 4000...
Raditz's eyes widened in disbelief as Lee's power level surpassed 4000. "Impossible...!"
Lee's power level had surpassed 4000, a feat that defied all logic and reason. The air crackled with energy, the sheer force of his chakra causing the very fabric of reality to shudder. Raditz could hardly believe what he was witnessing. A mere human had achieved a power level that rivaled even the mightiest of Saiyan warriors.
Lee's body became a blur as he charged at Raditz, his movements faster than ever before. With each step, the ground shattered beneath his feet, his fists glowing with the intensity of his determination. Raditz barely had time to react. Lee's first punch connected with his gut, driving the wind from his lungs and sending him flying backward. The Saiyan's vision blurred as he struggled to comprehend the sudden shift in power.
THUD! CLANG! KRAKOOOOOM!
Lee didn't relent. He was on Raditz in an instant, delivering a flurry of devastating blows. Each strike was fueled by the pain of loss and the burning desire to protect his village and avenge his fallen comrades.
Raditz's defenses crumbled under the relentless assault. He spat blood, his body aching from the sheer force of Lee's attacks. "This... this can't be happening..."
Lee's eyes blazed with fury. "This is for Itachi!"
With a final, thunderous kick, FWOOOOOM! Lee sent Raditz crashing into the remains of the Hashirama statue, the force of the impact creating a massive crater. Raditz lay there, struggling to rise, his body battered and nearly broken.
Lee stood over him, breathing heavily, his aura still blazing. "You will not harm anyone else... I will make sure of it."
Raditz stumbled backward, his confidence shattered. "Impossible! No one can reach this level of power on a backwater planet like this!"
With a speed that defied comprehension, Lee launched himself at Raditz. The air around him crackled with energy, the sheer force of his movement creating shockwaves that echoed through the valley.
CRAAAAAACK!
Lee didn't stop. He followed up with a barrage of punches and kicks, each one landing with the force of a sledgehammer. Raditz's body was battered and bruised, blood flowing freely from his wounds. Raditz tried to mount a defense, but it was futile. Lee was a whirlwind of destruction, his movements too fast and too powerful to counter. Each strike drove Raditz further into the ground, the Saiyan's screams of pain and frustration filling the air.
THUD! BAM! KABLAMM!
"How... how can this be?" Raditz gasped, his strength waning. "I am... a Saiyan..."
Breathing heavily, Lee stood over him, his aura still blazing with the power of the Eight Gate. "You underestimated us... you underestimated the heart of a shinobi."
As the power of the Eight Gate began to take its toll, Lee's body started to falter. He knew that using this technique meant sacrificing his life, but he had no regrets. He had protected his home, his friends, and avenged Itachi.
The adult, despite his Saiyan resilience, was helpless against the onslaught. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he was pummeled into the ground, his armor shattering under the relentless assault. The pain was excruciating, his bones cracking under the force of Lee's strikes.
In the midst of this chaotic battle, a flash of light signaled the arrival of reinforcements. Sasuke Uchiha, utilizing his Rinnegan's space-time ninjutsu, teleported into the fray alongside Naruto Uzumaki. They arrived just in time to witness Lee delivering a blisteringly fast charge, the Night Lee attack, aimed to finish Raditz off once and for all.
"Lee, stop!" Naruto shouted, summoning clones to intercept Lee's charge. The clones grabbed Raditz, dragging him away from the fatal blow. "We need him alive for interrogation!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he rounded on Naruto. "What the hell are you doing, Naruto? Lee was about to finish the job!"
Lee, still glowing with the red energy of the Eight Gate, stepped back, his breathing heavy. "He killed Itachi with an explosion. I wasn't strong enough to save him."
Sasuke's Sharingan spun with a deadly intent as he took in the news of Itachi's death. So... it was true. His heart pounded with a mixture of grief, rage, and a justifiable need for vengeance.
"He killed Itachi," he repeated to himself, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with a cold fury. His fists clenched at his sides, the knuckles white. "Itachi... my brother... dead."
Memories of his older brother flooded his mind, the few psychological battles they had fought, the truth of Itachi's sacrifices, the torment he put him through, the Uchiha massacre, his role in helping to raise Sarada, and all of the moments between the margins. Sasuke's vision blurred momentarily as tears of rage and sorrow welled up, only to be blinked away.
He needed to avenge his brother... once again.
"Itachi, you sacrificed everything for the village, for those you loved, for me," Sasuke thought, his anger rising with each passing second. "And now, you're gone because of this bastard."
Naruto's expression hardened, his eyes reflecting a mix of anger and sorrow of his own. Sasuke's elder brother was one of the ones he admired and respected the most, as he truly embodied what it had meant to be a Hokage. A fire shadow.
"Itachi... is dead?" He turned to Raditz, his rage barely contained. "This guy definitely needs to pay, but we need answers first."
Raditz, cackling wildly despite his injuries, staggered to his feet. "You think you can defeat me? Even in this state, I am still a more than capable Saiyan warrior!"
Naruto clenched his fists, his chakra flaring. "We'll see about that. But first, who are you? Why are you here?"
Raditz, still laughing, announced, "My name is Raditz. I'm here to find my younger brother, Kakarot. Because you lot are still alive, it's quite clear he didn't complete his mission."
Sasuke, his Sharingan activated, scrutinized Raditz. "Kakarot... who is this Kakarot? And why are you looking for him?"
Raditz's eyes gleamed with malice. "Kakarot was sent to this planet to eradicate all life. I'm here to finish the job."
Naruto and Lee exchanged confused glances, but Sasuke's eyes widened in realization. "Wait... your tail... the energy concentrated in that area of your body... It's eerily similar to Goku's."
Raditz's smirk widened. "So, my younger brother is alive after all? Good. I'll deal with him after I've slaughtered all of you."
Before the delusional Saiyan could continue, Naruto activated his Six Paths Sage Mode, his eyes glowing with otherworldly power. Sasuke's Rinnegan and Sharingan flared, their combined power overwhelming. Raditz's scouter beeped frantically, reading power levels exceeding 5000 for both of them.
"This ends now," the blonde declared, his voice resonating with authority.
Raditz, sensing the danger, chucked his green scouter with pinpoint accuracy into the door of his space pod and then glanced at the full moon. A wicked grin spread across his face as he began to transform.
"You think you can stop me? Think again."
Sasuke, his eyes narrowing, charged forward with a Chidori, aiming straight for Raditz's heart. The electrical energy crackled as he drove his hand through Raditz's chest like a hot knife penetrating butter.
For a moment, it seemed as though Sasuke had succeeded. But then, to the shock of all present, Raditz's body began to expand. His muscles bulged grotesquely, his skin stretching and tearing as his form grew larger and more imposing. Sasuke was flung back by the sheer force of the transformation, landing heavily next to Naruto and Lee.
"He's... transforming," Naruto said, his voice filled with disbelief and a tinge of fear.
Raditz's body continued to grow, fur sprouting all over his skin as he took on the fearsome form of an Oozaru, the giant ape. The ground trembled under his weight, each step causing the earth to quake and shudder. His power surged exponentially, skyrocketing to levels that seemed incomprehensible.
The three shinobi stood together, their eyes wide with shock and horror as Raditz's transformation reached its zenith. The Saiyan's new form towered over them, a monstrous silhouette against the moonlit sky. His roar echoed through the night, deafening and primal, sending shivers down their spines.
"This... this can't be real," Sasuke muttered, his voice barely audible over the chaos.
Raditz, now fully transformed into his Oozaru form, looked down at them with a menacing grin. "RAAAGHH!" His roar was filled with unbridled fury and the promise of destruction.
The Oozaru was a sight to behold. Towering over the landscape, his massive form radiated an overwhelming power. His eyes glowed with primal rage, his tail thrashing behind him. Although his mind was not sharp enough to strategize, his targets were clear: annihilate all lifeforms, especially the three warriors who dared to oppose him.
With a guttural roar, Raditz unleashed a devastating mouth blast, obliterating the statue of Madara and everything behind it for miles, leaving nothing but a smoldering crater. Naruto, Sasuke, and Lee barely avoided the blast, the heat singeing their skin as they darted out of its path.
"He's so strong now!" Naruto shouted, his voice filled with urgency. "We need to be careful!"
Sasuke's eyes whirled as he calculated their next move. "No time for caution! We have to kill him here and now!"
Lee, his body glowing with the Eighth Gate's energy, nodded in agreement. "We must protect the village at all costs!"
Before they could regroup, Raditz's massive boot descended upon them, threatening to crush them into paste. Sasuke activated his Susano'o, the spectral warrior forming around him. Naruto summoned his Kyubi avatar, both of them straining to hold off the colossal foot. Lee, having no projections of himself to rely on, placated himself as the proverbial bullet to their canister.
BOOOOOOM! The ground beneath them cracked and buckled, the sheer force of Raditz's strength overwhelming their defenses.
"Hold on!" Naruto grunted, his muscles straining.
"Damnit... can't... let him... win!" Sasuke shouted through gritted teeth.
Despite their combined efforts, Raditz's power was far too much. The ground gave way, and they were driven into the earth with bone-crushing force. CRAACK!
But Naruto wasn't done yet. Emerging from the ground, a thousand Kage Bunshin surged forward, each one wielding a Rasenshuriken.
"Take this!" Naruto roared, as the clones unleashed a barrage of Rasenshuriken, the consecutive explosions of chakra offseting Raditz's foot back just enough to free them.
Lee, meanwhile, launched himself into the air, his fists blazing with energy. "Hirudora!" he shouted, sending numerous crimson tigers of compressed air at Raditz. The attacks struck the giant ape, but only seemed to irritate him slightly. No damage was done.
Raditz swatted at the air like one would swat at flies, his mouth curling into a mocking grin despite his mental faculties being momentarily compromised.
Sasuke's eyes burned with determination as he wielded the Susano'o sword, aiming for Raditz's neck. "I'll take your head!"
The blade sliced through the air, but the Great Ape's forearm intercepted it, deflecting the strike. With a powerful tackle, Raditz smashed a staggering Sasuke backward into the dirt, his Susano'o flickering from the impact. BOOOOOSH!
Naruto, not missing a beat, charged his Rasengan with the power of the Bijuu. "Bijuudama Rasenshuriken!" He hurled the attack at Raditz's back, the explosion shaking the foundations of Konoha despite the distance from them and the village itself.
But the Saiyan emerged from the smoke, unscathed. He jumped off Sasuke's Susano'o, landing with both feet on the ethereal guardian, shattering it with a sadistic grin. And then before Naruto could react, Raditz turned his face and fired a quick mouth blast, obliterating all one thousand of his clones and nearly ending the real Naruto. KABLAMM!
"Gah!" Naruto grunted, the searing pain burning through his side.
Raditz's eyes gleamed with murderous intent as he turned his attention to the village of Konoha in the distance. Instinctually, he fired another purple mouth blast toward them. He still knew how to deliberately kill; he was not completely feral.
The violet blast of ki surged forward, its raw power tearing through the air with a deafening roar. It crackled with malevolent energy, its trajectory set on annihilating Konoha. Naruto and Sasuke's eyes widened in horror as they saw the destructive force heading straight for their home.
"No!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing with desperation.
Time seemed to slow as the realization of the inevitable sank in. The ground trembled under the weight of the energy, and the sky darkened as the blast drew closer.
In a split second, Kakashi Hatake appeared on top of the Hokage tower, his form a blur of movement. His face was set in determination, the weight of his responsibility pressing down on him. Both of his Mangekyou Sharingan spun rapidly, the intricate pattern reflecting his intense focus.
"Kamui!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.
With a mighty effort, Kakashi activated his space-time ninjutsu. The air around him shimmered and distorted as the power of Kamui took effect. The immense blast of ki began to warp and twist, its destructive path diverted into another dimension. WHOOOOOOSH!
The sheer force of the ki blast caused the ground to fracture and the buildings to shake. Kakashi gritted his teeth, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The strain of using his best jutsu at such a scale was immense, draining a significant amount of his chakra.
The violet energy swirled and condensed into a spiraling vortex, disappearing into the alternate space created by Kamui. The village was safe, the threat averted, but the effort left Kakashi visibly weakened. He dropped to one knee, gasping for breath, his vision momentarily blurring.
Back on the battlefield, Oozaru Raditz's immense form towered over the battlefield, his presence a terrifying reminder of the power of the Saiyan race. His roar echoed through the valley, shaking the very ground beneath him. Yet, amidst the chaos, Rock Lee, Naruto, and Sasuke stood resolute, against the increasingly overwhelming odds.
Lee, his body still radiating the red energy of the Shimon, launched himself into the air. His speed was blinding, a testament to his willpower and training. He aimed a powerful kick at the back of Raditz's head, but the massive Saiyan turned with a speed that belied his size. The Saiyan's gigantic hand snatched Lee out of the air, squeezing with the intent to crush him.
"Lee!" Naruto shouted, eyes widening in horror.
Sasuke, his Rinnegan glowing, activated his space-time ninjutsu called the Amenotejikara just in time. In a blink, he switched places with Lee, freeing his comrade from Raditz's grip. Without hesitation, Sasuke summoned the full power of his Susano'o, firing an Indra's Arrow directly into Raditz's left eye.
KRAKOOOOOM!
The arrow struck true, a blinding light erupting as it connected. Raditz let out a blood-curdling roar, reeling back in agony, his eye now a smoldering ruin. The massive Saiyan stumbled, momentarily disoriented.
Naruto seized the opportunity. His eyes glowed with the power of the Six Paths Sage Mode as he unleashed his Boil Release, his power level soaring definitively above that of Sasuke and Lee. "Now's our chance!"
With a primal roar of his own and Kurama's, Naruto launched his more ferocious assault to date. FWOOOSH! BOOM-BOOM-BOOM! Truth-Seeking Orbs, Bijuudamas, Rasenshurikens, and thousands of Kage Bunshin converged on Raditz, each attack carrying the weight of his fury and determination. The relentless barrage struck Raditz with the force of Mars being destroyed thousands of times over, pushing him back through the valley further and further. The explosions lit up the night sky, visible even from the walls of Konoha.
"Keep pushing!" Naruto's voice rang out to his army of clones during his onslaught. "Uzumaki Rendan!"
As the dust settled, Raditz emerged from the wreckage, his massive form finally showing signs of wear and tear but far from defeated. The absurd durability of the Saiyan was a grim testament to his power.
"Impossible... How is he still standing?" Lee gasped, as his energy and life finally began to wane.
He only had so much time left to live.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "We need to break him mentally. He's too strong physically."
Channeling his most potent Sharingan genjutsu, the Uchiha focused his chakra, aiming to invade Raditz's mind. The Oozaru's red eyes flickered as Sasuke's chakra threads wormed their way into his brain.
Raditz's body convulsed, his roars now mixed with cries of confusion and fear. Memories and nightmares flooded his mind, courtesy of Sasuke's genjutsu. But even this wasn't enough to bring the giant Saiyan to his knees.
"Dobe, help me trap him!" Sasuke shouted, his voice strained. "We need to immobilize him."
Naruto nodded, understanding Sasuke's plan. As Sasuke's Susano'o formed hand seals, summoning a massive Chibaku Tensei, Naruto supported him with additional chakra. The ground beneath Raditz trembled and cracked, pieces of the former valley breaking away and rising into the air.
RUMBLE! Raditz, still reeling from the mental assault, struggled against the gravitational pull. "RAAARRRGHH!" he roared, his voice echoing with fury.
The rubble and debris from the obliterated Valley of the End converged around Raditz, forming a massive sphere. The Great Ape thrashed within his rocky prison, but the combined efforts of Naruto and Sasuke held firm. The Chibaku Tensei rose into the sky, a new moon hovering over Konoha, symbolizing the titanic struggle that had just taken place.
Breathing heavily, Naruto and Sasuke watched as the sphere stabilized. "Is it... over?" Naruto asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
Sasuke's gaze remained fixed on the floating prison. "For now. But we can't let our guard down. If he escapes..."
Lee, his body trembling from the strain of the Shimon, placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "We did it... for now. But we need to be ready... if he breaks free."
And... the calm after the storm was short-lived.
A primal scream, so powerful it reverberated through the valley, emanated from the Chibaku Tensei planetoid. The earth itself seemed to tremble in response, and then, through the eerie silence, haunting laughter echoed.
"Thank you... " came an ominous voice, carrying through the air. It was a voice filled with malevolent gratitude, the voice of Raditz, now regaining his sanity.
KRAKOOOOOM!
The planetoid shattered in a blinding explosion, rubble flying in all directions. Out emerged Raditz, no longer the mindless beast but a pissed-off and slightly stronger version of himself, having adapted to the mental and physical confinement imposed by Sasuke's genjutsu and Chibaku Tensei.
Before anyone could react, Raditz unleashed a mouth beam directly at Sasuke. The Uchiha barely teleported away in time, but the reinforced village walls thousands of meters behind him were obliterated, reduced to nothing more than a pile of debris.
BOOOOOOM!
Sasuke's eyes widened in horror. "What... what even is this guy?" he muttered, his voice trembling.
Missile strikes and lasers from the reworked remains of the Red Ribbon Army, courtesy of Tenten and her team, peppered Raditz's gigantic form. They might as well have been mosquito bites; the Saiyan's durability was far beyond their capabilities.
BZZZZZT! ZAP!
Raditz dashed toward the village, his massive form moving with a speed that defied his size. Naruto, summoning all his remaining power, launched a series of attacks, but Raditz brushed them off with ease. With a single, aggressive backhand, Raditz sent the Kyubi avatar that contained Naruto crashing through the Kage monument, the force nearly killing him once again.
THUD! CRAAAAAACK!
Naruto struggled to his feet, his body battered beyond belief from the impact. "Damn it... he's too strong... even for us," he whispered, wincing in pain.
Lee, his time with the Shimon running out, refused to let his comrades fall without giving it his all. With a final, desperate surge of power, he launched himself at Raditz, his red aura blazing. "Night Lee!" he roared, his fist connecting with Raditz's jaw and halting the giant's movement for a brief moment.
SHWING!
Raditz's expression twisted in pain and fury as he clasped Lee's body with both hands. "You insignificant insect," he sneered, squeezing Lee's body, the sound of bones cracking echoing through the battlefield.
CRAAAAAACK!
Directly at Konoha, Gai, Tenten, Neji, and Ino watched in horror from the top of the decimated village gates.
"Lee!" Gai shouted, his voice filled with anguish. "Let him go, you monster!"
Ino, tears beginning to well up in her eyes, was ready to rush in. "Lee, no! I won't let you die!"
Lee's screams pierced the air, a testament to his agony. Despite his, he vocalized his wishes.
"Ino-chan, stay back! Stay safe!" he yelled, his voice strained but resolute.
Tenten clenched her fists, her eyes burning. "We can't just watch!"
Neji, placing a hand on Tenten's shoulder, spoke firmly. "Trust Lee. This is his fight, just like when he faced Snare. We can't interfere."
Ino's eyes blazed. "But he's dying, Neji! We can't just lose him!"
Neji shook his head despite the chaos. He had faith. "Lee has always been our shining star. We have to believe in him."
Unbeknownst to them, Gai was gone.
With the last of his strength, Lee glared up at Raditz, defiance shining in his eyes. "This... isn't over," he gasped, blood trickling from his mouth. "I'll... protect... my home... with my... last breath!"
Raditz's grip tightened and the intense pressure was unbearable, yet Lee's refused to be broken, finding strength beyond logic itself. Even as he struggled in the monstrous grip of the Oozaru, even with his bones creaking under the immense pressure, even when every muscle in his body screamed in protest, he refused to give up. He had to protect his village, his friends, his loved ones.
His willpower was stronger than all of it.
Raditz's laughter echoed through the battlefield, a chilling sound that made all witnesses shudder. "Struggle all you want, weakling. It makes no difference."
Lee's vision blurred, and just as even he was about to give in and become human tomato paste, he heard a familiar voice.
"LEE!" The shout was filled with raw determination.
"Gai-sensei?" Lee muttered, his eyes widening in shock and relief as he saw his mentor, Maito Gai, stepping into the fray.
Gai's body glowed with the same red chakra aura of blood and devastating strength, the power of the Shimon surging through him as well. "Don't give up, Lee! We fight to the very end!" the man's voice was resolute, filled with the spirit that had always inspired Lee.
With a roar, he launched himself at Raditz, his ultimate attack, Night Guy, aimed at the Saiyan's face. The force of the attack was enough to create shockwaves, the space-time itself distorting from the power behind it. KRAKOOOOOM!
Raditz, literally millions of times stronger and more resilient than any foe Gai had faced before, barely flinched. The attack, which should have been a death blow or at least enough to rescue Lee, amounted to little more than a poke on his enormous cheek.
The Saiyan smirked, his mouth opening to unleash another beam.
"Gai-sensei, NO!" Lee screamed, but it was too late. ZZZSHHHHOOOOOM!
The mouth beam hit Gai full force, reducing him to smithereens in an instant. FWOOSH! The beam continued its deadly path toward Konoha, but once again, the Hokage intervened with Kamui, warping the energy away just in time. This time, he was on top of the decimated village walls as well, ready to find ways to impact winning if need be.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto's voice was a mix of anger and desperation. "We can't let this continue! We need a plan!"
Kakashi, panting from the exertion, nodded. "I'm doing what I can to protect the village from destruction. If you and Sasuke can somehow weaken him or get him to stand-still, perhaps I can take his head off."
Or maybe... his tail? Around a decade ago, a smaller but similar ape had threatened Konoha's safety... and he cut its tail off, reverting the monster to a small child with palm-treed hair...
That child was Son Goku! Dots were quickly being connected rapidly in the genius mind that the son of the White Fang possessed...
Lee's body was wracked with pain as Raditz's grip tightened around him once again. The Saiyan's laughter echoed in his ears, a cruel reminder of the battle's grim reality. As Gai's atoms drifted away, something inside Lee snapped. The red aura around him flared, transforming into a blazing inferno that illuminated the entire battlefield and grew more intense with each passing second. His skin began to crack, the strain of the Eighth Gate pushing him beyond his mortal limits.
"GAI-SENSEI!" Lee's roar was a primal cry of anguish and fury, shaking the very air around him, his body on the brink of death.
But he didn't care.
This was his final stand.
Ino's sobs pierced the chaos, her voice filled with despair. "LEE-KUN, NO! PLEASE!" She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "Get out of there! You can't leave me too!"
Tenten and Neji watched in horror, their hearts breaking for their friend. "Lee!" the former shouted, tears forming in her eyes as well.
Neji's Byakugan flared with emotion, holding his girlfriend tightly in a silent gesture of support. Words failed him, his usual stoicism shattered by the impending loss.
Raditz, still gripping Lee, smirked down at him. "Was that your last desperate attempt? How pathetic."
Lee's eyes burned with determination as he mustered the last of his strength. "You... will not... win!"
As his chakra reached its zenith, he turned his gaze to Ino, his voice softening despite the raging power within him. "Ino-chan," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'm sorry... I couldn't give you the life you deserve. Please... live for both of us. Remember me... not as the one who left you, but as the one who loved you... with all his heart."
Ino's sobs grew louder, her heart shattering with each word. "Lee-kun, no... please, don't go..."
Lee's neck then turned slightly to Neji and Tenten, his voice filled with a solemn resolve. "Take care of each other and her... Neji, Tenten... protect yourselves... and our village. You all have to keep fighting. Never give up... never stop. Thank you... for everything."
Neji's jaw clenched, his eyes misting over. "We'll do our best, Lee. Your sacrifice won't be in vain."
Tenten's voice was choked with tears. "No... we should be... thanking you... Lee."
Finally, Lee's gaze found Naruto and Sasuke. "Naruto, Sasuke... you two are the future of this village. Protect it with everything you have. Naruto, keep believing in your dreams. Sasuke, find your peace... and protect those you care about."
Naruto's eyes widened, his fists clenched for a bevy of reasons. "I promise, Lee. I'll make sure your sacrifice means something."
Sasuke's voice was cold but resolute. "We'll avenge you, Lee. I'm sorry it's come to this."
'I was a boy who couldn't use ninjutsu or genjutsu,' Lee thought, his mind drifting to childhood. 'But I had my nindo. I had Gai-sensei.'
He remembered the countless hours of training, the sweat, the pain, the tears. He remembered the bond he had formed with his friends, his comrades, and his mentor. The moments of triumph, the moments of failure. Each one a stepping stone on his journey.
"Ino-chan, Tenten, Neji... Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara, Shikamaru, Sakura, Goku... thank you for believing in me," Lee whispered to himself. "I have no regrets."
A serene smile spread across his face as he mustered the last of his strength.
"Gai-sensei... and for everyone else, this is for you," Lee muttered, his voice barely a whisper.
He smiled for the final time, the sounds that registered in his mind wallowing out into a strong, muted sensation until...
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
With a final, explosive surge of power, Lee's red aura erupted into a blinding crimson light. Raditz's eyes widened in shock as Lee's body detonated in a gargantuan explosion of crimson light. The energy engulfed both him and Raditz, a cataclysmic explosion that shook the tectonic plate beneath them. The air crackled with the intensity of Lee's energy, a Leaf Hurricane that tore through the battlefield and through the village with unrelenting force. The repercussions of the blast was immense, deafening the village and shaking its foundations to the core. The sky lit up with the intensity of the explosion, visible even from outer space.
KABOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The ground beneath them shattered, massive fissures spreading outwards as the shockwave reverberated through the ravine. The very earth seemed to cry out in agony, the sheer power of Lee's sacrifice creating a seismic event that could be felt thousands of miles away. Trees were uprooted, rocks were pulverized, and the landscape itself was irrevocably altered.
The explosion created a whirlwind of crimson energy, a hurricane of power that seemed to defy the laws of nature. The wind roared, carrying with it the raw, unfiltered essence of Lee's spirit. It was a final testament to his power of will, a last stand that would be remembered for generations.
Ino's cries filled the air, her heartbreak on display. "LEE!"
As the vibrant red light from Lee's explosion subsided, Raditz stood amidst the rubble. He was visibly damaged, his left eye completely swollen shut, blood streaming from his nose, and scorch marks covering his body. His armor plates were partially annihilated, and most importantly, his power level had dipped from over 15,000 to under 10,000.
Naruto and Sasuke finally had a chance!
Lee, however, had given everything he had. His body, now lifeless and charred, fell to the ground with a heavy thud. The once vibrant energy that had surrounded him was gone, leaving only the haunting stillness of his final moments. Slowly, Lee's body began to fade into ash, his form disintegrating as the remnants of his life force dissipated into the air.
"LEE!" Ino crawled to his side, her hands trembling as she cradled his crumbling form. "No... no, no, no..." Her voice broke, the weight of her grief crushing her spirit.
Tenten fell to her knees, her own tears flowing freely. "Lee... why?" she whispered, her voice choked with sorrow. "Why did you have to be so heroic?"
Neji knelt beside her, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "He did it for us," he said quietly, his voice filled with a deep respect. "He gave his life to protect those he loved."
Naruto and Sasuke stood together, their faces grim. The weight of their friend's sacrifice bore down on them, a reminder of the cost of their struggle. They had no words, but they owed Lee for their second chance.
They had to find a way to kill Raditz.
Speaking of the Saiyan, now visibly weakened, coughed up blood as he tried to regain his footing. He looked at the fallen form of Lee with a mixture of disbelief and grudging respect.
"That weakling... he... he almost had me," he muttered, his voice strained.
The battlefield stood still for a moment, the silence deafening after the titanic sacrifice. Naruto and Sasuke, bruised and exhausted, prepared themselves for another round, their eyes locked on the ever looming figure of the Oozaru.
Kakashi, standing a short distance away, observed the scene with a heavy heart. He knew they couldn't afford to mourn now. Raditz, though damaged, was still a threat. The Hokage's mind raced as he assessed the situation. Lee's sacrifice had definitely weakened the Saiyan, possibly making him killable. It was now or never.
Just as Kakashi prepared to step in to aid his students, a sudden burst of wind blew through the area. The atmosphere crackled with energy, and in the blink of an eye, a blur of orange and blue shot across their vision before anyone could move.
Untraceable, even to them!
Which meant...
With a single, thunderous kick, Son Goku's two boots collided with Raditz's gut, the impact sending shockwaves through the air. Raditz's eyes widened in pain and shock as he was brought to his knees, gasping for breath. Naruto and Sasuke could only watch in awe.
"Who... who dares?" Raditz choked out, barely able to form the words.
Goku's eyes burned with fierce determination. "My name is Son Goku," he said, his voice calm. "And I'm here to protect my home."
Before Raditz could even register what had happened, Goku delivered a powerful uppercut to the Oozaru's jaw. KRAKOOOOOM! The blow sent the massive Saiyan hurtling into the sky, the force being so immense that Raditz's giant frame literally eclipsed the moon, casting a shadow over the village.
Without missing a beat, Goku charged a yellow ki blast in his hand. The energy crackled and hummed with power as he took aim.
"Take this!" he shouted, firing the blast at Raditz's tail. BZZZZZT!
The beam hit its mark, severing and simultaneously annihilating Raditz's tail with precision. The giant Saiyan let out a roar of agony as his body began to shrink, reverting back to his humanoid form. He crashed to the ground, face-first, creating a crater dozens of meters away from where Goku stood.
Naruto's jaw dropped, his voice barely a whisper. "Goku... you..."
Sasuke's eyes were wide with shock. "He... he took him down like it was nothing."
Goku walked over to the groveling Raditz, his expression unyielding. With a kiai wave initiated by a white glow in his eyes, he sent Raditz flying into the village walls. THUD.
"Sit up and face me," the teenager commanded. "I want to look you in the eyes."
Raditz laughed, a bitter and pained sound. "You're just like our father," he said, blood dripping from his mouth.
Goku's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
Raditz smirked, struggling to sit up. "I'm your older brother, Kakarot. And our father was a Saiyan warrior, just like us." Goku's mind raced as he continued. "We Saiyans conquer planets and sell them to the highest bidder. Your mission, Kakarot, was to destroy this planet. How did you fail so miserably?"
Goku's expression hardened. "I hit my head as a baby and forgot everything. The people here took me in, and I grew to love them. I am an Earthling, not a Saiyan."
Raditz sneered. "You don't get it, Kakarot. We need you. Our race is on the brink of extinction. Join us, and we can ensure that we continue our survival. We can rule the universe!"
Goku's eyes blazed with anger. "I'd rather die than kill innocent people. I won't join you or any of your cowardly allies."
Raditz chuckled darkly. "You're a fool. But fine, if you want me to leave in peace, you'll have to do me one favor. Fetch my scouter from the space pod you ought to be familiar with."
Goku hesitated for a moment but then nodded. He moved at a speed that defied logic and retrieved the scouter from the object that did in fact feel like a nostalgic relic of his broken past. He tossed the mechanism to Raditz, his typically carefree eyes remaining hardened.
"Take it and go."
Raditz caught the device and clicked it on, attempting to contact Vegeta and Nappa. As he stammered over his situation, Goku turned to Naruto and Sasuke. "We'll use the Dragon Balls to bring Lee, Gai, Itachi, and everyone else back to life."
Naruto nodded, relinquishing his powered up state. "Hopefully they work this time."
Sasuke's gaze was cold and focused. "They have to."
As Raditz finally connected with Vegeta and Nappa, his voice trembled with fear. "I've failed... Kakarot is stronger than we thought."
Vegeta's mocking voice crackled through the scouter, dripping with disdain. "Is that so? And what of these Dragon Balls?"
Raditz's eyes widened in desperation. "According to Kakarot, they can bring the people I killed back to life. So maybe they can grant immortality, if they're as real as is told."
Vegeta's laughter was cold and menacing, a chilling sound that made Raditz's blood run cold. "Immortality, you say? Well, it seems you've finally done something useful, Raditz. But don't think for a moment that this excuses your incompetence."
Raditz swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I can still be of use. I can help."
Vegeta's tone turned deadly serious. "Help? You couldn't even handle your low-class scum of a brother. You're no longer useful to our cause, Raditz. You're just dead weight."
Raditz's heart sank as Vegeta's words sank in. "But... but I..."
Vegeta cut him off with a snarl. "You're as good as dead, Raditz. When we arrive, I'll make sure of it personally. You couldn't measure up to your brother, and you won't measure up to us. Prepare to die."
Raditz's face contorted in fear and despair as the scouter went silent. He knew there was no escape, no redemption. His own comrades had condemned him.
Meanwhile, Goku stood in silent reflection. The revelation that he was a Saiyan, the same race that had allegedly caused so much death and destruction, weighed heavily on him. He remembered his dream during the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the vision of his father.
It was all true.
"I am a Saiyan," he whispered to himself, allowing the reality to sink in. But his resolve remained unshaken. "But I am also an Earthling. And I will protect this planet with everything I have."
PING! PING!
Back with the villain, he reached up and crushed his scouter with a decisive snap, shards of the device scattering across the rubble.
Goku raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Why'd you do that?"
Raditz sneered, his voice dripping with bitterness. "My partners are on their way. They'll kill us all, including me. There's nothing you can do to stop them. The stronger of the two... he's even more powerful than you, Kakarot."
Goku's eyes lit up with excitement. He clenched his left fist and punched it into his right palm.
"I can't wait to face them! We can train together, Raditz. We can get stronger and beat them!"
Raditz shook his head, his expression one of resignation. "No amount of training will bridge the gap between us and them. I'm a goner Kakarot, and so are you."
Sasuke, standing nearby with cold fury in his eyes, stepped forward. "He's right. He is a goner."
In an instant, black flames erupted around Raditz. FWOOOSH!
The intense heat caused him to scream in agony as he tried to rid himself of the Amaterasu.
Goku turned to Sasuke, his face twisted in anger. "Sasuke! He's defenseless!"
Sasuke's gaze was unyielding. "This is justice for Itachi, Lee, and everyone else he killed. He deserves to die."
Naruto nodded, his face hard. "Teme's right. He can't be trusted."
Before Goku could respond, Kakashi made his mark, his Sharingan spinning as he activated Kamui. The space around Raditz's head distorted and... BZZZZZT!
With a flash, his head was gone, leaving the body to burn away in the black flames.
Goku stared at the headless corpse, disbelief etched across his face. "We could have given him a second chance... the Dragon Balls could have made everything right without revenge."
Naruto's eyes blazed with frustration. "The Dragon Balls didn't bring back Kiba, Choji, or anyone else we've lost. Why should we rely on something so uncertain? We have to take control of our own fate."
Goku clenched his fists. "But that doesn't mean we should just kill someone without giving them a chance!"
Sasuke spoke up. "We can't afford to take risks. You heard him—his fucking partners are coming. We need to be ready, and we need to protect our people. Mercy doesn't exist for people like him."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "Goku, we're not heartless, but we've seen too much death. We have to be prepared for what's coming. We have to be strong, stronger than our sentimentality."
Goku's face softened slightly, but the frustration was still evident. "I understand why you guys did it... but I believe that most of the time there's a better way than simply eye for an eye."
Kakashi stepped forward, his voice firm. "We need to prepare for the arrival of these other Saiyans. Naruto, Sasuke, Goku, and then me—us four is our best hope. We'll train, we'll get stronger, we'll strategize, and we'll be ready."
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a glance, both of them nodding in silent agreement.
"And Hinata," Goku added, generating a raised brow from the other three, to which he shrugged. "She's stronger than you three combined, y'know."
Ino's eyes flashed with anger as she along with Neji and Tenten stepped in to the fray despite her visibly emotional state. "Stronger than them? That's not the point, Goku! Where were you? Lee had to give his life for us to even stand a chance against Raditz. You weren't there when we needed you most."
Goku sighed, his expression filled with remorse. "I was under orders. A genie named Mr. Popo prevented me and Hinata from jumping into the battle until certain things took place. He's... he's beyond comprehension. I couldn't escape him, no matter how hard I tried."
Naruto's frustration bubbled over. "Orders? From who? Some genie? You could have saved everyone from dying if you had shown up on time. To hell with second chances if you could have prevented the casualties from the start! What kinda man are you? What sorta backwards thinking was that?!"
Goku's eyes met Naruto's. "I'm not a hero for justice or anything, but those who hurt my friends... I won't forgive. I did what I could, and I understand your anger, Naruto. But we can only focus on the present, what's done is done."
Sasuke's voice was low, but his words were sharp. "These guys, despite being weaker than their opponents, always gave it their all knowing they were probably going to die. Could you, Goku, who is basically a god compared to us, say the same in the face of adversity? Other than Hinata, who do you really care about? How would he respond, if someone stronger than you were to show up. How would you react, if you became the inferior combatant in a situation? To hell with Mr. Popo, you are the strongest thing on Earth and it isn't close. Why aren't you there when the helpless absolutely need you?"
Goku clenched his fists, his gaze steady. "Sasuke... I'd never back down from a fight or challenge, even if it was bigger than me. I just wanna fight strong opponents and help those that can't help themselves. I'm not perfect, and I'm sorry for not being there. But I will make it right."
Tenten, her voice calm but firm, spoke up. "Should we really expect him to save our asses every single time? He may have god-like power, but if Raditz was anything to go by, he's still just as human as we are. Or if not human, mortal. Perfection isn't something fair to expect, even from him."
Neji nodded in agreement. "Goku has saved us multiple times. I do not believe his heart and intentions shouldn't be questioned here. Goku probably had a more valid reason than being accredited for. He has, in fact, saved Konoha, Suna, Kumo, and the world time and again."
Ino's eyes blazed despite this fact. "Goku, you were the hero I looked up to. I thought you cared about us, about humanity. I get why you do what you do and to a degree how you operate, but I vehemently disagree. It's clear that often time you keep prioritizing your own battles over the people who need you, your own pursuits, your own goals and passions. You had the power to stop Gaara from killing Choji, you had the power to stop Orochimaru from killing Kiba, you had the power to prevent Snare from killing Kankuro and blowing up Suna! Fair or not, this is the reality! So no, I can't overlook this. Lee, Gai-sensei, Itachi, all the others that died, died all because you didn't step up and be the man I thought I knew and grew to love so deeply."
Goku's expression softened, his remorse clear. "Ino, I care deeply for you all. I wish I could be everywhere at once, but I can't. I understand your frustration, and I'm truly sorry for not always being the hero you need. I do prioritize my own battles and pursuits because I believe that by becoming stronger, I can better protect everyone. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you guys."
Naruto's voice was laced with bitterness. "If I were half as strong as you, the world would never be threatened by aliens or demons again. I'd be on top of it as the next Hokage. To be the greatest Hokage, I can't be late or callous. I have to protect my precious people. There wouldn't be force in the universe that could stop me from doing that. I'm gonna do everything I can to wear the hat to the best of my ability, to continue the Will of Fire. And I never go back on my word, that's my nindo, my ninja way. You're not reliable, I have to be even better than you."
Sasuke's eyes glinted for a different reason. "I can't imagine fleeing from any fight of magnitude because of my family. Haku and Sarada are my motivation. I fight to protect them first, and subsequently to protect everyone. I love them, and I would do anything for them. If you and supposedly Hinata are not going to save the world before it was almost too late to do so, me and Naruto simply have to do it in your stead because we're the next in line. Because by saving the world, I would save the ones that mattered the most."
Goku took a deep breath, his eyes meeting each of theirs. "I understand where you're both coming from. You both have every right to feel the way you do. And Ino, you're right—I do prioritize my own battles sometimes because I cherish pushing my limits and enjoying a good fight whenever I can get it. Still though, I'm not perfect, and I don't have all the answers."
He then looked at Ino with sincerity. "You saw something in me, Ino, and I'm grateful for that. I know I've let you down, and for that, I'm truly sorry. Maybe it's time for me to learn from you, from all of you, about what it means to truly protect our loved ones."
He then took a step back. "I'm not gonna make any promises I can't keep, but I'll do everything in my power to help us all get stronger and be ready for the challenges ahead. And if I stumble, I hope you all can help pick me back up, just as I'll try to do for you."
Ino's eyes were filled with a striking coldness, her voice slicing through the air like a blade. "Goku, Goku... Son Goku. If I remember correctly, you couldn't even save Hinata. What chance do we have of survival against the Saiyans? Didn't she get killed by Piccolo Daimao even when you were there? If you couldn't find a way to protect the one you love the most, then we're all next on the list to meet the reaper. That much is clear."
Tenten rounded on Ino, her voice trembling with disbelief at her words. "Ino, that's enough! That's a low blow, even for you." She turned to Goku to apologize. "Goku, I'm sorry. She didn't mean it like that..."
RUMBLE. DUM-DUM-DUM-DUM. ZSHHH-ZSHHH-ZSHHH-ZSHHH.
Goku's pupils had already turned yellow, and green ki began to seep out of his body, creating an aura of Ikari. The ground beneath them quaked, the air thick with his wrath. The very earth seemed to quiver in fear at the power of Son Goku. Despite this, he quickly closed his eyes and began to meditate on the spot, his breathing slowing, his ki seamlessly stabilizing. He was stronger than his emotions.
That being said, he no longer had anything to say to Ino or anyone else.
Speaking of which, she sunk to her knees, finally letting loose her true emotions. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry." Her shoulders shook with the weight of her devastation. The only people she had left in her life that she considered precious were Shikamaru and her parents, specifically her father. Everyone else was either not close enough to her or... or dead.
Lee, Choji, Gai-sensei... who was next?
Neji spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "We should give Goku some space. Let him come to us on his terms. Clearly, a lot is on his mind, and he needs to work through it on his own."
Kakashi nodded in agreement. "Goku, use the Dragon Balls and execute your plan to make things right." The Saiyan grunted and silently nodded at the indirect order. The Hokage then turned to Tenten. "Tenten, excavate Raditz's pod and scouter. See if they have any potential benefits or usage for Konoha."
Tenten's eyes lit up with a newfound enthusiasm. "Hai, Hokage-sama! Alien technology... Bulma and I are gonna have a field day!"
Sasuke began reconstructing the destroyed village walls with his Rinnegan abilities. "I'm going to check on my family. Make sure Haku didn't run off to follow me again this time. And then... we'll tell Yugao what happened here."
As everyone departed, leaving the floating Son Goku behind, Ino remained on the ground, still going through her emotions. Naruto, of all people, stepped forward. He knelt beside her, his voice soft. "Ino, it's going to be okay. I don't know how exactly, but it will."
Ino looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. "How can you be so sure, Naruto? How can you be so sure that we won't all end up like them sooner than later?"
Naruto hesitated for a moment, and then he pulled Ino into a warm, friendly hug. "Because I promise to defeat them, Ino... and to be your friend if you need me. And I never go back on my word. That's my nindo, my ninja way."
Ino buried her face in the crook of his neck, her body trembling with the weight of her grief. The blonde held her tighter, his hand gently stroking her hair. "It's okay to cry, Ino. It's okay to feel everything you're feeling. Just know that you're not alone."
Her sobs grew louder, her hands clutching the fabric of Naruto's black shirt as if it were her lifeline. "I... I can't lose anyone else, Naruto. I can't take it."
Naruto's own eyes shimmered. "I know, Ino. I know. But as cliché and damn near pointless as it sounds at this point: we have to keep fighting. For them. For everyone we've lost. And for those who are still here."
Ino's grip tightened. "I'm scared, Naruto. I'm so scared. And even worse... I'm tired of seeing people die. I'm tired of being at the whim and mercy of the strong."
Naruto's voice was a whisper, filled with resolve. "Me too, Ino. Me too. I don't give a fuck about our words anymore, our actions have to matter more at some point."
Ino's sobs began to subside, her breathing evening out as she found solace in Naruto's embrace. "You're damn right about that one," she mumbled, her voice muffled against his chest. "Fuck it. Starting tomorrow, I'm kicking your ass."
Naruto's arms tightened around her. "You wish, Ino-chan. I'll be the one kicking your ass. I'm not going easy on you just because you're feeling down."
Ino pulled back slightly, a weak smile forming on her lips. "Oh really? Big talk from someone who can't even dodge punches from Sakura of all people."
Naruto chuckled, the sound lightening the heavy atmosphere. "Hey, she has perfect aim and crazy women gravitational powers! Besides, I let it happen for fun. I'll be taking you a bit more seriously when I'm demolishing you in training."
Ino wiped her tears, a small laugh escaping her. "We'll see about that, Naruto. Maybe I'll surprise you."
Naruto grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Bring it on. I'm ready for anything you've got."
Their playful banter was a welcome distraction from the grim reality they faced. He ruffled Ino's hair, earning a mock glare from her.
"Stop messing with my hair, idiot!" she protested, swatting his hand away.
Naruto laughed at this. "Can't help it. You look cuter when you're annoyed."
Ino's cheeks flushed slightly, but she managed a smirk. "Keep talking like that, and I might just kick your ass right now."
The boy put his hands up in mock surrender. "Okay, okay! I'll save it for tomorrow. But seriously, Ino, we'll get through this. Me and you, two fucked-up individuals with fragmented relationships. You with Lee, me with Sakura-chan."
Ino's expression softened as she looked at Naruto. "Yeah, I guess we both have our fair share of relationship messes, don't we?"
Naruto nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "It's not easy, you know? Trying to balance everything. Being strong for everyone else while figuring out our own feelings."
Ino sighed, the weight of their shared struggles evident. "Lee was always so determined, so full of life. I admired that about him. But I couldn't love him the way he deserved. And you... you and Sakura have this history, this bond that's hard to break."
Naruto's gaze shifted to the horizon, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. "Sakura-chan and I... we've been through so much. But sometimes it feels like we're just too different now. I want to protect everyone, to be the Hokage she can be proud of, but... I really don't know if that's enough."
Ino reached out, placing a comforting hand on Naruto's arm. "Hey, we're all just trying to figure things out. No one's got all the answers, not even you, Mr. Future Hokage."
Naruto chuckled, the sound light but tinged with a hint of sadness. "Thanks, Ino-chan. It's good to know I'm not alone in this. We'll figure it out, one step at a time."
Ino smiled. "Yeah, we will. And who knows? Maybe we'll even surprise ourselves along the way."
Naruto's grin widened. "You bet. And in the meantime, we'll train, we'll get stronger, and put word to power."
Ino nodded, her resolve firming. "Agreed. Starting tomorrow, it's back to training. No holding back."
His expression turned playful once more, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Just don't cry when I kick your ass, okay?"
Ino laughed, the sound full of life and determination. "We'll see about that, Naruto. We'll see. And you better not go back on your word. Or I'll do more than just beat your ass, I promise you that."
Naruto was serious and playful, forming a mixed expression only the two of them understood. "I won't, Ino. Just believe it damnit."
Unbeknownst to everyone, a pair of sharp, green eyes had been watching the entire battle and conversations unfold from the shadows. Piccolo, now a lean adolescent of twenty-one months, crouched atop a rocky outcropping, hidden by the remnants of the Valley of the End. His acute hearing had captured every word exchanged, and his strategic mind was already calculating his next move.
Piccolo's attire had evolved to reflect his unique identity. He wore a dark purplish-blue gi with a sky-blue obi, eschewing the Demon symbol that had once adorned his father's clothes. A white turban with a dark purplish-blue top rested on his head, complementing the white cape with shoulder padding draped over his back. His green skin seemed to blend with the shadows, making him nearly invisible.
"Fools," he muttered under his breath, his voice a low growl. "You have no idea what's coming."
The memories of his father's defeat at Goku's hands were still fresh in his mind. Despite being only twenty-one months old, Piccolo had grown rapidly, both physically and mentally. His power had increased exponentially, but he knew he was still no match for Goku in a direct confrontation. He needed to be patient, to strike when Goku was at his most vulnerable.
"The Saiyans will provide the perfect distraction," Piccolo said quietly, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Once Goku is weakened, I'll take my revenge."
The ground beneath him rumbled as the residual energy from the battle continued to dissipate. Piccolo remained still, his senses on high alert. He couldn't afford to make a mistake. The next time he faced Goku, it would be to kill him.
He flexed his fingers, feeling the power coursing through his veins. The training he had undergone in the wilderness, pushing himself to his limits every day, had made him stronger than ever. But he knew that strength alone wouldn't be enough. He needed to outsmart Goku, to exploit his weaknesses.
He also needed to steal a Gravity Room at some point. Given his regenerative faculties, it could be a game changer.
The night air was cool against his skin, and Piccolo took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had time. He would wait, he would plan, and when the moment was right, he would strike.
He blended further into the shadows, his presence masked by the natural landscape. He couldn't afford to be discovered, not yet. His time would come, and when it did, Goku would pay for what he had done.
His ultimate goal was clear...
The Death of Son Goku.