Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn!
Created by: DragonKnight15
Hello to all, this is Chapter 8 of the first Arc of Volume 6: Battle in Hueco Mundo!
Intro: The Earth... is a great place where humanity and all other creatures live and learn to evolve little by little, but this great world has Darkness in it too. Evil beings who wish to conquer this world and everyone.
Only one being stood against them to show everyone the power of light and hope, but this great mythical dragon wasn't able to stop them. He gave his powers and hope to a human that was known by his name, the Dragon Knight!
Before this hero also met his end, he gave the legendary Dragon Sword and his hopes and dreams to the next knight, his youngest son who is destined to become a legend by the sides of his comrades and his love. This hero... is the Dragon Knight of Light!
(OPENING 1: Diver by NICO Touches the Walls from Naruto Shippuden)
Volume 6: Chapter 8: The Grudge Match! The Power of a Sage!
In the previous episode of DKR:
Judai had tricked Szayelaporro with their duel to stall for time so Haruto would arrive, tracking them down with one of his Familiars that Judai had. Worried as even the Espada was prepared for the rider; Haruto proved it ineffective as he still transformed into Wizard and dismantled the Espada's death room. Enraged, Szayelaporro entered his Resurrección form but Wizard and the others overpowered and nearly defeated him if not for the Espada's most dangerous ability: Using a body to reform and restore all damage and energy.
Realizing they were screwed either way, Ed had a plan. The group followed his lead and when they managed to damage the Espada again, Szayelaporro attempted to take one of their bodies but Ed jumped in and performed a Human Transmutation, forcing himself and the absorbed Szayelaporro to arrive at the Gate of Truth. Grinning at Ed's dangerous little trick, Truth played along and had the Espada witness the knowledge of Alchemy… with the price of his brain. Ed was freed of the Espada as Szayelaporro became brain dead; a fate worse than death. The group recovered while Haruto rode off alone to check up on the others as did Danny.
Meanwhile, Ichigo was terrified when Harribel revealed she must get rid of her… however, the Espada could not and would let her go as a misunderstood statement that Aizen ordered her. Smiling, Ichigo thanked her as she left but not before she tracked down the other prisoner that was taken and to her shock when she found her; it was Orihime.
And as that was going on, Kurosaki sensed Chad being attacked and saved his friend, revealing that the one to do this was the 5th Espada, Nnoitra. Grinning to kill the Substitute Shinigami that Grimmjow is so obsessed with; Nnoitra fought Ichigo who got him due to his lieutenant attacking his injured friend. And that was when the Espada grinned upon Nel and the truth behind her.
What will happen next?
And now the conclusion... last left off in the previous episode:
"W-why are you here, Orihime-chan?!'' Asking really confused and shocked, Mew Ichigo asks the orange haired young woman inside the cell. Orihime blushes awkwardly, not expecting to be rescued; kinda hoping it was her Ichigo but well it isn't so bad.
''Um…'' She utters out as she then explains that Orihime was off shopping till Ulquiorra suddenly appeared before her and gave her an ultimatum: Surrender and come with him or Aizen will unleash his army upon Kara
Of course, Orihime agreed upsetly as she couldn't let anyone innocent or her friends to die. Ichigo frowns, respecting her decision. ''I see. That Espada is full of himself Nya.''
Orihime frowns, not sure about the full-of-himself part but she feels wrong for doing this. Ichigo was forced here without threatening her, unlike her.
''I was told many times I should not get involved in this battle and…'' She begins to express sorrow at her own powerlessness, told many times to let things go and leave it to the others… but if she has the power to even protect them; she should be able to help out too.
''And I can't do that! I just want…'' Orihime starts complaining, squeezing her right hand tightly. ''I just want to help.''
Ichigo looks at her and frowns softly; understanding she wants to help. She gets her pain.
''So please, Momomiya-chan, let me-'' She begins to ask the cat girl to leave her be here, explaining that she'll use her powers to destroy Aizen's Hogyoku and stop him-
Suddenly she gets cracks of electricity and the door literally pulls out of the wall to her horrific shock. Mew Ichigo purrs, pulling the door off and tosses it aside as she apologizes. ''Oops, sorry! I just couldn't talk to you like this Nya.''
Orihime panics, yelling at her nervously. ''Y-YOU GOTTA PUT THAT DOOR-''
Shaking her head as she smiles, the cat girl tells her happily. ''Orihime-chan, you know this a bunch of crap Nya.''
Orihime is silent as the cat girl further says, encouraging her. ''Everyone knows you want to help! Heck, you helped me when I was down during that time I lost my powers.'' She's grateful to her and the other girls for encouraging her when she was at her worst; now it's her turn to repay the favor by smiling. ''So don't listen to that jerk and his words. Everyone, especially Kurosaki-kun, needs you Nya!''
''…'' Orihime is still quiet but her expression is sincere, looking away as she's sad to have such a wonderful friend. She sniffs, trying her best to not cry as she faces Ichigo and nods softly. Ichigo blushes as she says. ''Great! Let's go Nya!''
She nods as she walks out from her cell, finding some relief from all of this. Ichigo leads Orihime out of here, noticing how empty this tower feels.
''I'm surprised no one is guarding you.'' Ichigo says, astonished as she had Harribel's girls always watching her.
''U-Ulquiorra was but he left.'' Orihime informs her, a bit nervous as she doesn't want him to suddenly appear. The cat girl sweat drops, finding that really off since that chalkboard weirdo is really committed to serving Aizen. Ichigo then turns around, eyeing Orihime and the strange full body-like outfit dress with similar designs to the other Arrancar clothes.
''Also, why are we wearing that?'' She asks her with a narrowing, suspicious look. Not that it doesn't look good on her but it is the clothes of the enemy. Plus, she was offered similar clothes and refused.
''Hahaha…'' Orihime laughs awkwardly, not sure how to explain it to her without making it sound weird. However, before she could answer her; the long orange haired panics in terror. Ichigo blinks, turning and the two are staring down at Loly and Melony, both surprised to see them here.
''Oh hey Loly-chan, Melony-chan!'' Ichigo purrs happily, waving her hand at her.
''Hey there Ichigo, why are you-'' Loly, at first not noticing the woman she hates, greets the girl she does like until she does and she snaps furiously. ''W-WHY IS THE PRINCESS WITH YOU!''
Ichigo soon makes an awkward face, turning to Orihime and finally gets it. ''OH! THIS IS THE PRINCESS YOU HATE?!'' She asks her loudly and worryingly, realizing how bad this is.
''WITH ALL OF MY HATE!'' Loly screams furiously to Orihime horror. Ichigo also freaks out too; realizing this IS REALLY BAD!
''But I'm glad you brought her…'' Calming down, the raven haired Arrancar expresses with a grin as she pulls out her sword. ''Killing her will ease my hate.'' She approaches murderous towards Orihime, trembling behind Mew Ichigo who holds her hands forward. ''WAIT NYA!''
The Arrancar doesn't stop so Ichigo has to think on her feet and utters loudly on impulse. ''She has a boyfriend!''
Loly immediately stops in her tracks with a stunned surprise. ''EH?!''
Orihime has a bright red face, turning towards the cat girl who winks at her, wanting her to play along, as she tells the Arrancar. ''Aizen was simply luring her boyfriend to fight him!''
''… Prove it!'' Loly quickly demands, not buying this but Ichigo does with a big response. ''It's the Shinigami human with orange hair with my first name; Ichigo Kurosaki Nya!''
Loly is shocked by that. Every Arrancar has been told of Ichigo Kurosaki, not sure why but Aizen made it clear: Kill him and suffer the consequences.
''… Huh?'' Melony utters, able to see through this but will play along as she doesn't get Loly's obsession towards the human girl.
''And Aizen doesn't need her anymore! So he's all yours, Loly-chan!'' Ichigo proclaims happily, hoping this is enough. Loly still wants to kill her badly which Ichigo can tell and quickly convinces her with a cocky smile. ''Besides, killing her is pointless. She is weak after all. Someone weak isn't fit to be killed by someone as beautiful and deathly as you Nya.''
Loly's eyes widen with a half open mouth.
''She hit all the notes…'' Melony says mentally, confirming that Ichigo won. Orihime is still scared that this might not happen.
''… You're right!'' Staggering by her response, Loly expresses joyfully and happily. She's already dreaming that with that woman gone, Aizen will admire and love her deeply. Giggling, she eyes Orihime and orders her eagerly. ''Go! Leave before I changed my mind!''
''Y-Yes!'' Orihime utters in panic, nodding. Ichigo giggles as she wishes her luck. ''Best of luck-'' Loly smiles until something smacks her across the head, pinning and knocking her out with one blow. This shocks all the girls with Ichigo uttering in horror. ''L-LOLY-CHAN!''
Melony tries turning only to get smack also across the ground by none other than Grimmjow. ''You women are noisy.'' He proclaims calmly.
''WAA, IT'S PANTHER MAN!'' Mew Ichigo shrieks in horror, causing the Sixth Espada to correct her with an irritated growl. ''It's Grimmjow!'' He then notices that the girl is in that form and seemingly alone.
''Why are you walking around here alone, Momomiya?'' He questions her, making the cat girl really uneasy. She tries to take a step back and Grimmjow figures it out, smirking as he tells her. ''Oh, don't worry. I don't give a damn why you've escaped.''
The Mew Mew blinks, really surprised but then again the guy's only obsession and goal is to fight and beat Kurosaki. She sighs of some relief, turning to see Orihime has been trying to heal the two unconscious Arrancar until she's grabbed and pulled up over Grimmjow's shoulder to her surprise. Mew Ichigo startles as the Espada proclaims. ''But I'm taking her. Kurosaki will have no choice but to fight me if he wants her.''
''I mean… Yes?'' Mew Ichigo accepts the ''reasonable'' terms though she pleads to him, holding up a prayer hands gesture. ''Just don't hurt her please Nya!''
Grimmjow makes an awkward expression, looking at her kitty face and growls unease.
''Why is a human like you damn too kind?'' He questions, both irritated yet unease to be "mean" to her. Ichigo blushes, wagging her tail as she says. ''Just born like this Nya.''
''… That will be the death of you.'' Grimmjow warns her with a face. He turns around but then Ichigo just realizes he can take her to the others too.
''Oh wait, can I come-'' She begins to ask him but then he vanishes along with a panicking Orihime. ''Too? SIGH.'' She sighs defeated as she looks down at the unconscious Loly and Melony. She frowns as she carries drags and adjusts them resting on the wall, together.
''There.'' She proclaims smiling, hoping they'll be okay before eyeing Loly. ''Please behave Nya.'' Ichigo asks the unconscious Arrancar before she stands up and runs off. Now… How the hell does she get out of here? Guess finding Yugi is her best bet.
Meanwhile, the other Ichigo glares angrily, gazing at the Espada he's fighting who's looking at Nel with a grinning face he doesn't like.
''Why the hell do you know Nel?!'' Kurosaki questions him furiously. The Espada turns towards him and grins, realizing he has no clue. How perfect.
''Oh? She didn't tell you?'' Nnoitra asks him about Ichigo's confusion and soon reveals it with a grin. ''Her real name is Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, an Espada.''
Kurosaki widens his eyes, completely shocked by that reveal while Nel frowns, biting her lips worryingly.
''No, a former Espada; a former comrade.'' Nnoitra corrects himself with disgust; just hating the idea to call that woman a comrade.
''W-we were never-'' Nel tries uttering out only to get stomped by the Espada, grinning viciously as he taunts her. ''OH, YOU REMEMBER ME HUH?!''
''Nel!'' Ichigo shouts in horror, already running but Nnoitra shouts, swinging his scythe-axe weapon to stop him.
''DON'T INTERFERE!'' He yells furiously before he reminds him with a smirk. ''I just told you, she's a former Espada likely tricking you and your friends to somehow become one again.''
Ichigo glares with a bit of hesitation, watching as Nnoitra continues stomping on poor Nel who groans in terror.
''But that will never happen so let me kill this traitor for you!'' He proclaims eagerly, never feeling like this not since he first scarred her. ''I left you half dead and yet that didn't kill you.'' He stomps harder on her. ''But this time I will make sure you become nothing but a corpse!''
Nel sobs as Nnoitra grins at her despair and only enrages him further when recalling all of his hate towards her, all the losses he received from her but now he will put an end to that misery.
''After all the humiliations you've given me, I will enjoy this DEEP-'' He begins to proclaim, raising his foot above her and prepares to stomp her into nothing… until a black blade slashes him across the chest and then a foot stomps across him, pushing him back.
''Nnoitra-sama!' Tesla utters in dismay as Nnoitra grits, taking no damage but pissed. He looks forward and sees its that Shinigami, defending the shocked Nel.
''Itsygo?'' She utters in disbelief. Nnoitra growls as he begins uttering madly. ''Oi. I just told you she-''
''Nel…'' Kurosaki begins to utter out, turning his head to look at her and smiles before he faces the Espada with a firm, enraged glare as he tells him off. ''Is just some kid who smiles and would never betray or hurt anyone! She's my friend! So I don't give a damn if she was or is an Espada!''
Holding Tensa Zangetsu forward, he vows determinedly. ''I will protect my friends and she's one of them!''
Nel is speechless, blushing that even though they just met; he would protect her in such a way. Chad grunts on the ground, overhearing that and tries to smile. That's the kind of person Ichigo is; someone who will fight for others who can't protect themselves. He's a true friend.
Nnoitra hisses madly at his nonsense, proclaiming madly. ''What naïve fool.'' He turns to his assistant and orders him. ''Tesla, assist!''
Tesla bows as he dashes forward at Ichigo who easily blocks his sword swing and prepares to swing back before Nnoitra bashes him with the side of his weapon, smacking him across the sand.
''ITSYGO!'' Nel screams in terror, trying to run towards him but then Nnoitra instantly stomps his foot onto the ground. Ichigo sees this, standing up fast. ''NEL!'' He dashes as Tesla intercepts only to get swung and bashed aside by Kurosaki's superior strength.
''SHUT UP!'' Ichigo instantly stops as Nnoitra aims his weapon at the stomped Nel. ''Try anything and she dies.'' Ichigo glares madder, shaking his sword hand.
''I'm going to make you watch helpless and suffer as I kill this brat once and for all.'' Nnoitra proclaims, picking Nel up and tosses her upward in the air. He raises his weapon and swings it at her… only for Ichigo to Shunpo right in front and tanks the slash with his back.
''GAAW!'' He yelps in pain, dropping on his knees as Nel drops and sees in dismay in horror. ''ITSYGO!''
Nnoitra grins as he prepares to swing his weapon right towards Ichigo's neck, preparing to kill him off and he can't defend himself. It seems over as the blade of the weapon is just touching the surface of his neck until a blur comes between them and a single palm strike slaps the Espada across the gut so hard it launches him flying. He skids across the sand before hitting one of the pillars, crashing deep into it.
''N-NNOITRA-SAMA!'' Tesla screams in shock, rushing to his master's aid. He turns to face the attacker and startles. Posing with his arms now crossed, Ichigo was saved by Naruto in his Sage Mode.
''You two okay?'' Naruto asks the two, turning around to check up on them. Ichigo scoffs as he stands up, still shaken by the massive axe-like sword nearly chopping off his head. He breathes a sigh of relief as he thanks him. "Actually grateful you came when you did.''
Naruto laughs nervously, apologizing. ''Sorry, got distracted with my meditation.'' He really needs to improve the length of Sage Mode energy.
Kurosaki just sighs, just relieved he's here as he grunts; his back badly wounded. Nel panics as she rushes to his aid and drools onto him to Naruto's awkward disgust.
''You dare hurt Nnoitra-sama!'' Naruto blinks as he leans his body to the left and evades Tesla's downward swing to the Arrancar's shock. Kurosaki is also speechless as the Sage gazes firmly, telling him. ''I got this guy. My training is about to pay off, ya know!''
Tesla growls as he comes swinging harder and faster but Naruto easily evades each blow; predicting and reacting to each swing with ease. This enrages the Arrancar, yelling enraged as he still comes swinging. ''You weak mortal!''
As he comes to thrust his sword; Naruto breathes as he thrusts his right arm forward with his palm hand strike and shouts. ''FROG KUMITE!'' Clearly Naruto was not going to hit the enemy from Kurosaki's point of view… until he staggers as Tesla makes an expression of pain as he's launched backwards. He felt it; the very air of that fist felt like a Cero in a way. ''AAWWW!'' The Arrancar screams as he's blasting and crashing across the sand before being sent miles away.
Kurosaki is left speechless as Nel watches in astonishment, gasping out with sparkling eyes. ''A-Awesome!''
''Yea…'' Ichigo mutters, wondering how much training he went through. He's only been able to train thrice in his Shinigami life; by Urahara, later Yoruichi and then the Vizoreds. And this training Naruto did to gain this strange power; could that training really have done more to him? Was training that necessary? That's a question he'll have to think about later.
Grunting in annoyance, Nnoitra pulls himself out of the sand. ''Who the hell-'' He begins to question what even hit him until he senses Tesla miles away. He turns and Nnoitra's eye widens as it was him; that human brat from before, the same one that transformed into that fox like demon.
''Y-you!'' The Espada utters enraged, not expecting to see this weakling again. ''You're that damn fox brat!''
''And you're the eyepatch asshole from last time.'' Naruto responds back with a calmer but firm voice, glaring madly as he remembers this jerk. This makes the Espada madder, correcting him. ''The name is Nnoitra, you trash-'' He soon stops himself, noticing that the Shinigami is still wounded and Tesla was smacked aside.
That means… Nnoitra soon snaps and utters in disbelief. ''Tesla lost to you?!''
Naruto doesn't respond, crossing his arms again. Nnoitra gazes as other than the new cloak, that giant scroll on his back and his new eyes; he can actually feel something disturbing about him.
''He even looks and feels different.'' The Espada notes with a confused gaze, not sure how but he just feels angry by the way this human brat is acting. Like he's better than him… like that woman.
He growls at first before calming down, no point to get mad as this is still the same human; he can crush him with ease.
''No matter.'' Nnoitra soon speaks up with a grin, raising his scythe-like axe weapon at him. ''I'm going to kill you for good!''
Naruto stares calmly before he tells the orange headed Substitute Shinigami. ''Ichigo, this guy is also mine.''
Ichigo is shocked as he tries to protest but gasps; his back still hurts as Nel's healing saliva has yet to heal him properly. Naruto doesn't need to turn to tell he can't fight as he says, giving him a thumbs up. ''I got this! I know that Sage Mode can do it.'' He then becomes serious, almost mad that he parts his arms away and flexes his elbows with clenched fists. ''I have to try or else I won't beat him!''
Ichigo narrows his eyes, almost certain he's referring to that Akatsuki leader Yugi had warned them about; this Pain.
''… Alright. I trust you.'' He tells him, causing Naruto to smile for the trust. He then becomes firm, staring at Nnoitra as he walks forward.
''First…'' Naruto begins to ask the Espada as he lifts his arm and points his thumb at Nel, comforting Ichigo's wounded back. ''Why do you hate Nel-chan?''
''Hate her?'' Sounding confused by his question, Nnoitra snaps and yells furiously. ''I despise everything about her! That bitch had done nothing but look down at me! And like every female, she should knee and die by my foot!''
Naruto stops and startles heavily, blinking like an idiot before he asks to be sure. ''So wait, you're angry at her because she's a girl?''
''AND WAS BETTER THAN ME!'' Nnoitra yells furiously, adding up his reasons. He soon smirks as he has nothing to be mad about. ''But no longer because I damaged her!'' He soon laughs, gazing at the scar he left on her head. ''She's so weak that she's a shell of her former self! I had a thrill being the one to scar her!''
Naruto immediately frowns, clenching his hands again.
''… There's a word to call you if I remember what it was called…'' He begins to say, holding back his voice from speaking loud. ''But now I just don't hate you…'' As Naruto's expression becomes a firm, murderous gaze as he proclaims. ''I want to erase you from this world, ya know!''
He grits his teeth as his Sage Chakra erupts across his body, even shaking the sand underneath him to vibrate. ''I swear it! I will not forgive you!'' He vows, holding his right fist forward before taking on a fighting pose.
Nnoitra scoffs at his temper and smirks, telling him off. ''Of course trash would care for other trash. How-'' Suddenly Naruto takes a step and dashes forward with such force right at him to his shock. ''What the?''
Nnoitra quickly swings his weapon as he charges but Naruto evades it with such a reflex or rather precognition before thrusting his right fist across his gut.
''GAAAH!'' The Espada gasps in such pain, staggering backwards to his shock. He stumbles backwards, throwing up blood. He makes a freak-out expression, not believing that actually causes him such pain which his stomach has no scratches or damage.
''I told you, didn't I?'' Nnoitra narrows his eyes with such hate towards Naruto, holding up his right fist as his Sage eyes glow seriously but burning with grit. ''I won't forgive, ya know!''
Commercial Break:
Mew Ichigo: AW! WHY IS THIS STUPID WORLD A FREAKING SANDBOX! IT'S NOT CAT HEAVEN NYA!
Naruto: I'll show the power and wisdom I gain; the power of a Sage!
Kurosaki watches with such shock that Naruto's fist actually causes damage to the Espada. None of his slashes were able to even scratch him but his punch did.
"A-AWESOME! NWERTO HITS SUPER HARD!'' Nel expresses joyfully with sparkling eyes.
''Yea- Wait.'' Ichigo begins to agree before he makes a narrow face towards the green haired girl and he lectures her, rather annoyed. ''T-that is not how you say his name!''
Nel just grins, not good at pronouncing names and stuff. Ichigo sweat drops heavily; best not argue about it as he focuses his attention to the fight.
Nnoitra stands up straight, breathing as he looks at the blood dripping from his mouth. He ignores this, calling that pure damn luck… yet this isn't possible.
He comes at him with a swing but Naruto side-steps the swing in the last second and then kicks him across the face with such impact that he hits and skids across the sand again. Nel gasps astonished again as Naruto remains in his position, standing unopposed.
Nnoitra gets up again and this time he's dripping blood from his nose and mouth again, alarming him.
''W-why am I…'' He utters, touching the red liquid before he snaps with intense, narrowed eyes. ''Bleeding?!''
Naruto is glad the training worked out. He wanted to be really strong against Pain and even those Espada so he asked Pa to train him to enhance Sage Mode to punch those guys. And the key to it is the Frog Kumite.
''I trained with Sage Mode to handle your stupid Hierro defenses!'' Naruto proclaims confidently as his Sage Taijutsu strikes bypass defenses and instead of doing outward damage, it does internal damage. That is the key to harming the iron skin.
Nnoitra doesn't understand any of what he just said, refusing to accept that some human is capable of harming him.
''… How?'' He demands with a narrowed gaze. Naruto hums, thinking for a moment before he begins to answer him. ''With a lot of thinking, training…'' He hums at the last part and soon snaps his fingers. ''And I asked without being a jerk.''
The Espada makes a murderous glare before he yells out enraged. "You really piss me off, ant!''
''This ant is hurting you.'' Naruto soon points out, looking down at him with a firm, calm stare. ''Makes you think who the ant is now, ya know!''
Nnoitra slowly grins evilly as he dashes with Sonido, moving so fast he appears behind him. Ichigo panics, about to warn his friend but the Espada is already swinging his scythe only to widen his eye as Naruto ducks in the last second and he's staring at him halfway; those strange yellow eyes piercing towards him. He tracked him thanks to Sage Mode's sensory buff, feeling him coming a mile away.
''My Sonido should-'' The Espada tries questioning what even happen until Naruto twirls and swings a right fist forward, not able to hit him… but the air did as it decks him across the gut; causing Nnoitra to gasp out some blood from his mouth again. He staggers back heavily.
''N-NANI?!'' He utters, trying to understand this until he's punched again across his chest by Naruto's left fist, pushing him with such impact but the Espada grinds his feet onto the ground, sand blasting away from his feet being dug in but it stops himself. He gasps, spitting out more blood as he gazes puzzled yet furious towards the ninja.
''Frog Kumite also will never miss, no matter how much you try to dodge or get away.'' Naruto responds calmly, taking on a fighting pose. This pisses Nnoitra more as he charges at him, shouting. ''YOU DAMN!''
Naruto stands his ground as he dodges the next swing and then the next. Nnoitra is swinging like a madman, trying to hit him once but none of his swings are connecting with him as he's somehow able to predict where he's going to hit him or interrupt him before he even gets the chance.
''STOP! DODGING! ME!'' He yells angrier as he swings faster. Naruto pulls back as he reaches to the inside of his cloak and pulls out twin Chakra Blades before dashing forward and clashes now against the large weapon and pushes it back to Nnoitra's surprise. Ichigo is also surprised too that he even has those.
Naruto asked Ed before they left to make him Chakra Blades that he once tried to use belonging to Asuma and Ed gladly made them.
They still clash as Naruto also evades the swings with ease before he swings a slash and cuts the Espada, also able to bypass his iron skin with Wind Release energy. Blood drips across the side of his cheek to Nnoitra's dismay.
''H-how?'' He utters out, not believing this is possible.
''I told you.'' Naruto begins to tell him, taking on a fighting pose. ''I've been getting stronger to beat people like you. And I don't intend to let it pass after everything you've done to Nel-chan!''
This pisses the Espada off who questions him furiously. ''How can you care about some woman you know nothing about?!''
''BECAUSE THAT'S WHO I AM!'' Naruto barks back passionately. This enrages Nnoitra, pissing him off more before his body erupts in Spiritual Energy.
''DAMN YOU!'' The Espada shouts out, sticking out his tongue as swirls of yellow energy forms from his mouth. Naruto watches alarmed as the Espada shouts with such rage.
''I'LL VAPORIZE YOU!'' Nnoitra roars furiously as he takes aim with his tongue at him. ''CERO!'' He fires a beam blast that Naruto times it, kicking his left foot onto the stand and uses Frog Kumite to push himself upward. The beam still manages to tag a piece of his Kunai Blade before Naruto leaps over the blast and lands away from it. He looks and discards the burned weapon away but puts the other one away.
''Is that all-'' Naruto begins to taunt the Espada until he panics; his eyes revert back to normal as Sage Mode ends. He groans, figuring this would happen as he's yet to master proper Chakra gather of Natural Chakra to re enter Sage Mode. His meditation this whole time was to maintain Sage Mode and try to gather it but he's still way too lousy with it.
Turning fast as Ichigo is at least nearly fully healed, he shouts to him. ''Ichigo, tag!''
Ichigo is startled by this but nods. Naruto quickly tries to throw a Shuriken at Nnoitra who charges furiously, swinging his scythe axe at him, ignoring the Shuriken that bounces off him. Naruto leaps away fast but the Espada boots him into the ground. He laughs, leaping down at him.
''NOW YOU'RE-'' He begins to laugh excitedly, coming down to cut him in half until he's intercepted by Kurosaki, donning his Hollow Mask. He panics as Ichigo roars, swinging his jet black blade coated in black, red swirls of energy. ''GETSUGA TENSHO!'' He swings and fires the blunt force of his signature attack, blasting the Espada away and crashing onto the ground.
Kurosaki lands, gasping as his Hollow Mask fades away, still healing from the deep wound.
Naruto breathes a sigh of relief, thanking him. ''Thanks.'' Pulling out the large scroll on his back, he opens it and slams his bitten right hand on a seal, shouting. ''SUMMONING TECHNIQUE!''
Smoke erupts from the page of the scroll and emerging out is another Naruto in a deep meditation pose.
''Wa! Another Nwerto!'' Nel expresses joyfully, never seeing anything like that before. Smirking, Naruto forms a hand seal as the clone vanishes and he feels all the Sage Energy he gathered enter his body.
''Yosh.'' He proclaims as his eyes change into Sage Mode again. He rolls up the scroll, placing it behind his back as he tells the orange headed Shinigami. ''Leave it to me again.''
Kurosaki just nods, grunting. Naruto runs forward, forming his signature hand seal and shouts. ''SHADOW CLONE TECHNIQUE!'' A single clone manifests, running beside the original as Nnoitra shoots out from the ground with an enraged glare.
''DAMN WORM! DIE ALREADY!'' He roars furiously, coming at him just as Naruto and his clone form a Rasengan, gripping on it on both sides.
''GIANT RASENGAN!'' Naruto and his clone shout in union, thrusting the enlarged spiraling sphere at the Espada who's swinging his weapon and the two attacks clash. Nnoitra growls, pushing forward but Naruto's attack blasts and pushes him away.
''Damn pest!'' Nnoitra yells, sticking out his tongue and charges up another Cero. Naruto and his clone begin forming another Rasengan but it begins spinning rapidly and glowing.
''SAGE ART…'' Naruto begins to utter calmly until Nnoitra shouts, taking aim. "CERO!'' He fires another yellow beam as Naruto thrusts his spiraling sphere attack, having become larger than the Giant Rasengan. ''MASSIVE RASENGAN!''
Kurosaki widens his eyes, dropping his jaw as he yells mentally. ''HE MADE IT BIGGER?!''
Nnoitra panics as his Cero is carved through the Massive Rasengan as Naruto shouts, swinging his gigantic sphere of energy at him. ''You're finished-'' In that moment, Ichigo feels a surge of power and yells out, warning his friend. ''NARUTO, BEHIND YOU!''
Naruto startles, sensing someone through Sage Mode as he turns around and before he can do anything; he's punched and crashes into the ground, disrupting his attack. ''GAAW!'' He gasps in pain as he's flicked and tosses away to Ichigo's dismay.
Nnoitra pants heavily, looking forward to landing Tesla in his large, bull-like giant Resurrección form.
''Oi Tesla, I didn't order you to use your Resurrección.'' Nnoitra complains, slightly annoyed that he was released without his permission. Tesla and apologies. ''Forgive me, Nnoitra-sama but that bug-''
''Don't care.'' The Espada proclaims, not caring anymore as he orders him, pointing his finger at Ichigo. ''Now get rid of that one.''
Ichigo groans worryingly, trying to guard until he's blitzed by the transformed Tesla, proceeding in beating him up with powerful punches that slam him onto the ground.
''ITSYGO!'' Nel screams in horror as Ichigo stands up, about to attack the enemy but gasps as his chest erupts in blood. He's yet fully healed as he just yells at Nel. ''R-RUN NEL! DO IT-'' His words are cut off as another fist slams him back onto the ground and the berserk Tesla laughs, pummeling the orange headed over and over as he screams. ''GAAWWW!''
Nel watches, both too scared to run but also she can't leave him being pummeled in just trying to protect her.
''Oh yes, please run.'' She panics, turning towards Nnoitra who grins. ''Makes my hunt with you that much more enjoyable.'' He takes a step forward only for a voice to call out to him. ''Hey.''
The Espada slowly grits his teeth, turning and it is Naruto, standing back up; still in Sage Mode.
''I-I'm not out yet.'' He declares, taking on a fighting pose. This irritates the Espada, not believing this worm doesn't get the term of despair. He can't win SO WHY KEEP FIGHTING!
''You damn…'' He begins to utter out before he launches himself at him. ''I WILL KILL YOU!''
Naruto grunts, narrowing his eyes to the left as Ichigo is being beaten down. He has to do something fast.
''… I…'' Uttering as her voice trembles, overwhelmed with dread or rather something holding her back; Nel tries to speak as people she cares about are being hurt… all over again and she can't stand it anymore. Letting out tears from her eyes; she explodes in a loud cry. ''I DON'T WANT THEM TO DIE!''
Suddenly her broken mask glows and soon her body does too, bright green light piercing across her, blinding the whole area. Not to mention getting a few attention from Grimmjow, smirking as he dashes over there and another group.
''What the hell?!'' Nnoitra utters in confusion before he's punched by Naruto, pushing him backwards. He runs to Ichigo's aid and startles as he's gasping, struggling to stand up but he's okay. He looks around, wondering where-
''Tesla?!'' Naruto blinks, turning and startles, seeing that Espada's lackey is on the ground, bleeding and cut down with ease. Nnoitra also stares at this with disbelief, speaking up in dismay. ''Impossible… Tesla shouldn't have been cut down like that…''
He then sees a figure in the smoke near Tesla's body and a feminine body in there- Wait… that figure…
Freaking out, he knows that figure uttering out. ''No…''
The smoke clears up and reveals a young, adult woman who has hazel eyes and long green hair. To the two, there is no telling this is Nel and what her true form looks like. Notably, she still has a scar and the crimson line that runs across her face, and pronounced lower canine teeth. Her gown is now torn into a skirt and a top, connected with a single strip across her abdomen. Her skull mask also differs slightly; its features appear sharper and less cartoonish with a pair of curved horns, but still missing some of its teeth. A large "3" is tattooed on her back, confirming that she was an Espada.
''Nel?'' Ichigo utters, speechless and awe to even-
''SHE'S HOT!'' He soon makes a bright, red tomato face, turning to see Naruto nose bleeding and so astonished and… AROUSED?!
''WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU, NARUTO!'' Ichigo yells at him furiously yet his face is still bright red. Naruto grins, able to tell he thinks so too as he says. ''And what's wrong with that! SHE IS SUPER HOT!''
The orange-headed growls, even more unease; refusing to admit-
''Ichigo, Naruto.'' The two blink, turning to see the transformed young woman smiling at the two. She looks so calm and mature like she isn't-
Suddenly she leaps and embraces the two with a big bear hug, expressing joyfully. ''THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH!''
Ichigo gasps in agony; his back still hurts and it doesn't help that she's hugging him even harder than before. WHY IS SHE STRONGER NOW?! Naruto drools of pleasure with his face lit up, loving this so much more than Sakura's fists.
She soon parts away, still smiling as she appreciates their help. ''Thank you. Thanks to you both, the feeling of wanting to protect what is precious to me; I've return to old body and mind.''
Ichigo sweat drops, glad they somehow helped her.
''Happy to hear it, Nel-chan!'' Naruto expresses with a grin. Nelliel blushes by his kind smile, correcting him calmly yet blushing. ''Nelliel is fine too, Naruto.''
She then eyes Ichigo, still wounded and she will not tolerate how brave the two fought against the under-handling of Nnoitra. She turns around and pleads to them with a firm voice. ''Now please, allow me to fight Nnoitra.'' Her eyes now gazed towards the 5th Espada. ''This fight is between me and him.''
Nnoitra watches with such disgust, gritting his teeth as he's staring at those eyes after so damn long.
''… Damn you…'' He begins to curse out, gritting his teeth before he lets out a voice filled with hate and fury. ''WHY DO YOU KEEP MOCKING ME, NELLIEL!''
Even with Sage Mode, Naruto still needed help. With the help of the former 3rd Espada, will it be enough to defeat the current 5th Espada?
To be continued…
(ENDING 1: Motherland by Crystal Kay by Fullmetal Alchemist)
Next Time…
The climax in the fight against Nnoitra nears as Nelliel, returned to her original state, clashes against her former ''ally'' ; however even this form won't last. As others assist to help them, Nnoitra goes all out. This fight will be decided by Naruto's trump card. Will it be enough?
Ruby: HEY! *Hugging Usagi who giggles* I'm so glad to see you girls okay!
Usagi sighs of relief: Same here!
Rukia: How were you all?
Sonic: We- I mean Shadow nailed my foe.
Shadow: …
Kaiba: …
Rukia sweat drops by this awkward silence: A-anyway, I sensed a group this way.
Usagi and Ruby point forward: LEAD THE WAY!
Sonic: Guess time to drop the title and this time-
Shadow: Next time in Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn: Guts above Despair! Defeat the Impenetrable Iron of Hatred!
Sonic: SHADOW, AGAIN! STOP TAKING MY TURN!
Usagi sweat drops: Um please remember to read, enjoy and review. See you all next time.
Author's Note: It's nice that Mew Ichigo is like ''Orihime-chan, you don't have to do this. Trust me Nya!'' and it works for her character, being in a similar situation way back in Volume 2. Now will she snap Sakura from her plans in killing Sasuke in the Five Kage- No. But we'll see what she does when we get there... next volume. Oh and saving Orihime from likely getting axed by a girl obsessed by her Aizen-sama.
A little similar to the whole Nnoitra arc with the exception of Kenpachi being replaced with Sage Naruto for obvious reasons later in this Volume. Honestly, Sage Naruto was a good sub and reflects the intense rivalry between Naruto, the guy who likes pretty ''hot'' girls and Nnoitra… the guy who HATES all women. Plus, I was excited to finally do Sage Mode and I did a good job not letting him have full access to his trump card… That's the next chapter!
But yea, Frog Kumite bypasses the Hierro defenses is like the perfect counter! I lost my mind when I learn that!
So next time is the Nnoitra conclusion. Why so quick? Again, fast volume. Gotta move it. But next time will end explosively. See you then!