Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
Warning: The following will contain material that some viewers may not find suitable. There will be smut, graphic explicit sex, lemons at random moments, character deaths, and multiple pairings. There will be no additional warning as without reading the smut what little plot there is will not make any sense. You have been warned.
The Sky is Falling
The pirate ship's captain stood and waited for the men to reach him on the beach. He was more drunk than not, as this island had one, and in his mind, only one good thing going for it: it made good rum. The crew was hanging off the bow of the ship, waiting to see what the village had finally decided they would pay for those thrice-damned priests in the hold.
A few dozen large islanders, each carrying a massive chest, were slowly walking over the loose white sand, getting closer. The iron-bound chests were enormous, each capable of holding a man or two, with some even larger. The headman of the village led them, his flowing robes billowing in the sea breeze, and a tall staff held firmly in his hand. He walked with his head held high as if it were some great honor to be trading treasure to these smelly pirates for his beloved priests.
The villagers' faces were stern, their muscles straining under the weight of the chests. The iron glinted in the sunlight, and the heavy, reinforced locks suggested great value within. The headman's expression was fixed, betraying none of the desperation that had led to this moment. Each step he took was measured and deliberate, a silent reminder of the danger of the exchange.
The pirates watched with greedy anticipation, their eyes fixed on the approaching treasure chests. The contrast between the dignified procession of the islanders and the ragged, eager pirates couldn't have been starker as cheers were yelled out and bottles of rum passed around. The headman, his staff adorned with intricate carvings and symbols of his office, seemed almost regal compared to the rough, unkempt pirate captain waiting on the beach with one hand on his sword and a bottle in the other he looked ready to fall over.
As the islanders drew nearer, the headman raised his staff, signaling them to stop a short distance from the pirates. He stepped forward alone, his eyes meeting the bloodshot eyes of the captain as he addressed him. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the unspoken threat of violence should this exchange go sideways. The villagers stood ready, their loyalty to their headman and the priests evident in their stance as they dropped the chests onto the sand.
"This is what we have brought," the headman announced, his voice steady and commanding. "Release our priests, and you shall have your treasure."
The pirate captain, swaying slightly on his feet, grinned wickedly, eyeing the chests with greed. "Let's see the goods, old man," he slurred, gesturing for his men to inspect the chests. The pirates surged forward eagerly, their grubby hands already reaching for the treasure.
Keys were handed over, and the chests were opened to reveal reams of the finest Hyuga silk, gold from the mountains of Lightning Country, and jewels from the great mines of Earth Country far to the west. It was an impressive array of treasure, far more than the pirates had expected these priests to be worth. The silk shimmered in the sunlight, each bolt intricately woven with patterns that spoke of skilled artisans and long, laborious hours of craftsmanship. The gold, raw and untamed, glittered with a rich, warm luster, while the jewels sparkled with a myriad of colors, their facets catching the light in a dazzling display.
The pirate captain's eyes widened in disbelief and greed as he took in the sight. His crew, equally stunned, let out murmurs of astonishment, their rough exteriors momentarily softened by the sheer opulence before them. The headman of the village remained stoic, his gaze unwavering as he watched the pirates' reaction. He knew the value of what they were giving up, and the price many had paid to gather such a trove. But to him, the lives of the priests were worth every ounce of gold, every thread of silk, and every precious gem. Once the Moon God returned they would have this back tenfold.
"HOLD!" yelled the headman, and each villager pulled out a sword or long knife. "Where are the priests? This exchange is far from over."
With a wave of the captain's hand, the pirate crew started the long process of opening the cargo hatch. Using a crane and many chains, they lifted iron cages from the deepest part of the hold. The cages' black bars gave off no shine in the blaring sunlight as they were swung over the side and lowered to the sand. First, the youngest priest, then the middle, until the oldest priest was lowered. Their dark red robes and pale white skin shone like beacons in the morning light.
One of the villagers rushed over but was shocked to the ground when he touched the iron bars, their power not only holding the priests in but also preventing anyone from letting them out. The villagers gasped in horror, realizing that the pirates had not only captured their spiritual leaders but also ensnared them in powerful, chakra-sealed cages.
The headman glared at the pirate captain. "What is the meaning of this? You were to release them!"
The pirate captain sneered. "Aye, but once we get the treasure on board and the ship back out to sea past that sea creature of yours, then I will give you the key."
The headman tightened his grip on his staff. "We need assurances. How do we know you won't betray us again?"
The pirate captain's grin widened. "You don't. But if you want your precious priests, you'll do as I say."
The headman, seething with anger, knew they had little choice. "Fine. Get your men to load the treasure, and then we will have our priests."
The pirate captain nodded, and his crew began hauling the chests of silk, gold, and jewels onto the ship. The villagers watched anxiously, their weapons ready in case of treachery.
The headman's eyes narrowed as he watched the pirates. "What about Jiraiya and the other young shinobi?" he demanded.
The pirate captain laughed. "They are your problem now," he said with a smirk, taking a swig from his rum bottle.
The headman could do nothing but grit his teeth in frustration. As the last of the treasure was stowed, the pirate captain turned back to the headman. "Now, the key," the headman demanded.
The pirate captain held up the key, dangling it tantalizingly. "Once we're safely at sea, you'll get it."
The headman stepped forward, his eyes blazing with fury. "If you double-cross us, there will be nowhere on this earth where you can hide. By the Moon God, I swear it!"
The pirate captain laughed. "I'll keep that in mind. Farewell, old man." He dropped the empty bottle on the sand and, just for fun or spite, broke it into pieces to mix with the soft white sand.
The crew had worked tirelessly overnight, digging the ship out from the sand and waiting for high tide for the exchange. Their efforts paid off as the ship was finally free and ready to sail.
With that, the pirates boarded their ship, and the captain gave the order to set sail. The villagers stood on the shore, weapons at the ready, watching as the ship slowly moved away from the island.
As promised, once the ship was past the creature at a good safe distance, a small boat was lowered with a single pirate rowing towards the shore. He carried a chest, and in it, the key. The exchange was finally complete, and the headman hurried to unlock the cages, freeing their beloved priests at last.
The headman opened the small chest as the pirate quickly rowed back to the ship. Pulling the large black key free, he ran to the middle cage to free the oldest head priest first. As the key turned, the bars glowed and sparked, burning lines in the sand before the door finally opened, setting the priest free.
They all ignored the shouts of the pirate as he tried to row back to the ship as it sailed filled with wind. The laughter of the crew as he did his best to catch up was clear for all to hear.
Rushing to the cages the headman used the key to open all the doors and as the priest floated out and placed his feet on the sand, the villagers cheered. The elder priest turned to look at them, his eyes filled with a profound sense of purpose as his chakra flared and filled the area with his power.
"The time for our ascension is almost upon us," said the priest as he opened his robes, displaying his bare, hairless chest. With a series of hand signs, he formed his chakra, and to the shock of all, his chest seemed to open. Out floated a fist-sized red jewel, its glow in the bright sun was hard to look at until it landed in his hand.
"The Eye of the Mon God has returned to us, release the others," he called out with authority. "We must go quickly to the mountain of the God."
The wide-eyed villagers, now filled with the holy spirit, moved with a sense of urgency and reverence, rushing to free the remaining priests. One by one, the cages were unlocked, and the priests were released. Their robes fluttered in the breeze as they stepped out, each one exuding an aura of power and zealotry.
The headman bowed deeply to the elder priest. "We are ready to follow you to the end of the world."
The elder priest nodded. "Good. Prepare the sacred rites. Our journey back to the Moon God must begin immediately."
The villagers quickly gathered around the priests, forming a protective circle. The priests, now free and united, began chanting in unison, their voices rising in a harmonious blend that seemed to resonate with the earth beneath their feet. Storm clouds gathered to block out the sun as if getting ready for the Moon itself to come down to Earth.
As the pirate ship sailed away, the headman couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and anticipation. The ordeal had been worth it. The treasure was a small price to pay for the return of their spiritual leaders and the promise of ascension. The island would once again regain its place as the leader of the world, a new world they would make in the image of their god.
The elder priest, holding the red jewel aloft, led the procession to the mountain of the God. The villagers followed, their hearts filled with hope and blind devotion. The path ahead was clear, and the promise of a glorious future with the Moon God awaited them.
Only the headman's sinister grin widened as he turned back to look at the pirate ship now far out to sea. Only he knew of the thousands of poisonous snakes sealed in the bottom of the chest. Once the ship dropped below the horizon, the seals would break, and the pirates would join all of their brethren at the bottom of the sea.
….
Jiraiya stood atop a mountain's craggy peak with a confident stance, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. The wind whipped around him, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and new adventure. Below, the azure waters of the sea stretched endlessly south, merging with the sky in a seamless blend of blue hues. He had spent the day and night searching for Naruto and Sakura, finding traces of them in the mountains but losing their tracks on the cliff face. He decided to climb to the highest peak to scan for any sign of them.
Turning his gaze southward, Jiraiya squinted against the bright sun. There, in the village's harbor below, he spotted the pirate ship they had come ashore on—a formidable vessel that belonged to the pirate fleet. He looked on in curiosity. That was the ship they had been traveling on, the very ship they had spent weeks aboard as guests. Its sails were filling with the wind as it moved out into the bay, the giant chakra octopus letting it pass seemingly on orders of the village. It was clearly heading out to sea as quickly as it could with a little row boat chasing it for some reason.
"What is this world coming to when you can't trust a pirate?" said Jiraiya to the wind as he continued to look for any sign of Naruto. That boy was known for doing stupid things, and he hoped to see a chakra flare or trees being blown away from some training jutsu, anything that would be a clue. The only good sign was the lack of a 600-foot-tall red fox storming around. Naruto was at least alive.
What he didn't expect was that as the morning mist cleared off the northern sea, he would see more sailing ships anchored in a small bay to the north, their sails neatly rolled up. Then, unexpectedly, one of the ships' sails burst into flames, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.
'Looks like the pirates are at war with each other again, not my problem,' he thought as he took his eyes off the far-off ships to continue looking for Naruto.
As he descended into the dense jungle, the canopy above thickened, casting dappled shadows over the forest floor. The air was heavy with humidity, and the sounds of exotic birds and distant wildlife filled his ears. With each step, the undergrowth seemed to conspire against him, hiding any trace of footprints and slowing his search.
Hours passed in a blur of relentless searching. He pushed through thickets, crossed babbling streams, and climbed over moss-covered rocks, all the while scanning the surroundings for any sign of his quarry. The trail, if there ever was one, had long since disappeared into the labyrinthine wilderness.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting shafts of golden light through the dense foliage. Sweat trickled down his brow, mingling with the grime of his exertions. He paused occasionally to catch his breath, leaning against a massive tree trunk or perching on a fallen log, all the while mentally mapping his surroundings.
Off in the distance, he heard a sound. To his trained ears, it sounded like girls giggling. Jumping to his feet, he ran toward the sound. Before bursting out of the underbrush, he stopped short to pull a large leaf out of his view.
He found himself on the edge of a beach, its pink-tinted sand stretching off into the distance. At the water's edge, he spotted a dozen women playing in the surf. Each one was a beauty, tanned and fit, with little to no clothing on as they swam and frolicked in the waves.
Taking out his notebook, he started to write frantically. "I guess I can do a little research," he muttered under his breath, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He found a good spot higher up in a tree to watch the scantily clad women run around.
From his vantage point, he had the perfect view of the beach. The women splashed each other, their laughter carrying on the sea breeze. They moved with a carefree grace, their skin glistening in the sunlight. Jiraiya's eyes widened as he scribbled notes, capturing every detail. The way the sun highlighted their curves, the playful interactions, and the uninhibited joy of their movements—it was all invaluable material for his next book.
As he settled into his hiding spot, he marveled at his luck. "I can't believe it," he whispered, his eyes never leaving the scene below. "This is the best fieldwork I've done in ages."
Minutes turned into hours as he continued his observations. Occasionally, he would chuckle to himself, envisioning the reactions of his future readers. "They'll never believe this," he thought, shaking his head in disbelief. He felt a pang of guilt, but it was quickly overshadowed by his excitement.
The women seemed to tire of their games and began to lounge on the beach, soaking up the sun. Jiraiya's pen never stopped moving, his notebook filling with sketches and descriptions. He knew he should be focusing on his search, but this opportunity was too good to pass up.
Lost in his writing, he almost didn't notice when one of the women looked directly toward his hiding spot. His heart skipped a beat, but she simply smiled and returned to her friends. "Phew, that was close," he sighed, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.
With the sun beginning to set, the women gathered their belongings and started to head back toward the village. Jiraiya reluctantly closed his notebook, his mind still buzzing with the day's discoveries. "Alright, time to get back to business," he said, leaping down from the tree. "But that was definitely worth it."
….
The limp was noticeable, but she didn't let the pain stop her as she moved about the camp and captured buildings, waking everyone up except for the few who had taken guard duty. It had been a long, hot night with intermittent rain. The only luck they had was that the pirates had not come back, and the Kasumi had docked, giving them access to any supplies she carried.
Temari winced with each step but pushed through the discomfort. Her resolve was unshaken despite the throbbing pain in her leg. She checked on the members of the Inuzuka clan who had taken the night shift, offering them a brief nod of appreciation.
The camp began to stir, groggy but obedient to Temari's unspoken command. The scent of damp earth, wet dogs, and salty air mingled with the morning breeze as the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the encampment.
She gathered the remaining members of the Inuzuka clan, noting the four fallen from the battle at sea. With two teams short, they still had 28 dogs of war, their loyal companions ready for the search.
"We need to get up and move out," Temari ordered, her voice firm but calm. "Our priority is finding Naruto and Sakura. We can't waste any time."
The Inuzuka clan members quickly set to work, rallying their dogs and preparing for the search. The sight of the powerful, agile dogs, their keen and focused eyes filled Temari with a renewed sense of hope that all was not lost.
She turned to the captain of the Kasumi, who stood nearby, awaiting orders. "Take the ship out to sea and wait there. It's safer that way. We can't risk losing our only means of escape."
The captain nodded, understanding the danger of the situation. The crew began to haul in the lines, preparing the ship to move back out into the relative safety of open water.
Temari approached the makeshift infirmary, where a few of the injured lay. She offered words of encouragement, despite her own fatigue. "Hold on, we'll get through this. Help is coming," she assured them, though she knew the reality was uncertain. Once again wishing for a fully trained medic.
She made her way back to the command post, where the leaders of the Inuzuka clan had gathered to discuss their next move. They had found a map of the island and had it spread out before them, marked with potential threats and safe zones.
"We need to cover as much ground as possible," Akamai suggested. "Our dogs can track their scent and give us an advantage."
Temari nodded in agreement. "Let's scout the area thoroughly. We need higher ground and a better vantage point. We can't afford to be caught off guard."
As the meeting concluded, Temari took a moment to gather her thoughts. The limp in her step was a constant reminder of their vulnerability, but she refused to let it hinder her. Her mind was sharp, her focus unwavering.
With the camp coming to life around her, Temari took a deep breath and prepared for the day. The sun climbed higher in the sky, burning away the remnants of sea mist from the night. There was work to be done, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
…
Later that day, Temari took a bite of the dried meat Akamai handed her, her gaze sweeping over the dense jungle from the cliff top where they were resting. The teams had been sent out in different directions, each tasked with calling for help as soon as they found any sign of Naruto.
"I can't believe this island," Akamai said, running her hand over the ears of one of her dogs. "We must have found a dozen abandoned temples in this bug-infested jungle."
"Yes, it's strange how each of them seemed to be blown apart from the inside," Temari replied, her voice tinged with concern. The mystery of the ruined temples was another concern in a long list in her mind, adding to the urgency of their search for Naruto and Sakura.
The cliff's edge provided a sweeping view of the island, its verdant canopy stretching out in every direction. Despite the beauty of the landscape, the oppressive heat and the ever-present hum of insects made the environment feel hostile and unwelcoming. For someone used to the open sands and endless dry wind of the desert, this island was more like a hellscape.
Temari adjusted her position, trying to find some comfort on the rocky surface. "We need to stay focused, those temples by damned, our priority is to find Naruto and Sakura before it's too late.
Akamai nodded, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Agreed. The dogs have picked up some strange scents, but so far, nothing substantial."
Temari sighed, feeling the weight of the mission pressing down on her. "Let's hope the other teams have better luck. We need to find them soon."
As if on command, one of the dogs rushed to the edge of the cliff, focused intently on something far below. Joining him, the two women looked down to see a small army of villagers, with three priests at the head, marching through the jungle along a winding path visible only to them.
"I think we found what we're looking for," Temari said, not taking her eyes off the priests below. "Can you send one of the dogs to alert the others?" She wasn't a sensor shinobi, but she could feel the chakra emanating from the lead priest even at this distance. It felt eerily similar to when Gaara would lose control of his tailed beast.
Temari and Akamai, along with Akamai's remaining dog, moved with practiced stealth through the dense jungle, careful to remain hidden among the foliage. They followed the procession of villagers and priests, making sure not to let the red-robed figures out of their sight. The jungle around them was alive with the cacophony of chirping birds and the incessant buzzing of insects. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation, adding to the oppressive atmosphere of the pursuit.
As they advanced, the villagers seemed to move as if in a trance, their steps synchronized and eerily silent despite the dense undergrowth beneath their feet. The priests led the way with an air of command, their crimson robes occasionally catching the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy.
Hours passed, the jungle's oppressive heat and humidity making each step feel like a slog through molasses. Birds with vibrant plumage flitted through the trees, their calls adding to the symphony of the jungle. Insects buzzed incessantly around the duo, occasionally landing on their skin or clothing. Despite the natural beauty surrounding them, the sense of foreboding never left Temari and Akamai.
Eventually, they emerged from the thickest part of the jungle and found themselves on the edge of a clearing. At the center stood an ancient temple, partially covered in thick, gnarled tree roots that snaked over its stone facade. Despite the encroaching vegetation, the temple appeared to be in one piece, its weathered stones hinting at a once-majestic structure now hidden away in the jungle's embrace.
The villagers continued their march toward the temple, their movements as synchronized as before. The priests, still leading the way, showed no sign of hesitation or fatigue as they approached the temple's entrance. The intricate carvings on the temple's walls were partially obscured by roots and vines, but even in its dilapidated state, the structure exuded an aura of ancient power.
Temari and Akamai exchanged glances, their faces set in determined expressions. They positioned themselves behind a cluster of dense foliage, their eyes trained on the temple. The presence of the priests and the trance-like state of the villagers only heightened their sense of urgency.
"Keep a close watch," Temari whispered. "We need to see what they're planning and ensure we're ready for anything."
Akamai nodded, her gaze fixed on the temple. "Agreed. Let's see where this leads us."
Here's a revised continuation of your scene with added detail and a smooth flow:
Out of the vast, cave-like opening of the temple emerged dozens of red-robed acolytes, their faces obscured by the deep hoods of their garments. At the forefront of the procession was a robed figure adorned with a golden chain, the pendant hanging heavily from their neck. The pendant, intricately crafted, had a center carved out as if waiting for something crucial to complete it.
The elder priest, who had led the procession, began to chant in a strange, guttural language as he approached the robed figure with the pendant. His chants grew louder with each step, echoing off the stone walls of the temple.
When the two figures finally stood face to face, the acolyte with the pendant extended it, holding it out in the palm of their hands. The elder priest, with reverence and precision, lowered a glowing gem into the carved center of the pendant.
As soon as the gem made contact, a blinding flash of light erupted, momentarily obscuring everything in its brilliance. The light faded quickly, leaving behind a profound silence.
"I take the Eye of the Moon God to restore our island to its rightful place at the top of the world," chanted the priest from the temple, his voice carrying a fervent energy.
"The Moon God requires sacrifice to restore his belief in his people," intoned the elder priest, his voice resonating with authority.
"Then a sacrifice he will have!" declared the priest from the temple. With a dramatic flourish, each acolyte formed a glowing blue sphere in their hands and began to rush toward the gathered villagers. One by one, they placed their hands over the heads of the villagers, the spheres merging with their targets.
Temari and Akamai watched in horror as each villager was slowly drained, their bodies transforming into frail, withered husks. As their lifeless forms crumpled to the ground, they seemed to dissipate into the breeze, their remnants scattering like dust.
"It is done. Let us awaken our God and claim the world as our own!" shouted the head priest, his voice filled with triumphant zeal.
The chilling declaration hung in the air as the ritual reached its climax. Temari and Akamai exchanged grim looks, fully aware that they would need to proceed with utmost caution. If these fanatics had Naruto and Sakura, their next steps could mean the difference between saving their comrades and falling into the hands of the Moon God's dark forces.
Once all the red-robed priests had disappeared into the shadowy depths of the ancient temple, Temari stepped into the open, her gaze fixed on the ground below. The once vibrant clothes of the villagers lay scattered like forgotten remnants of lives that had been snuffed out. The tattered fabric, now a grim reminder of their sacrifices, was blown about by a gentle breeze, revealing the grim fate of those who had been deceived into serving a god that showed no mercy.
Temari's face was set in a determined scowl as she surveyed the desolate scene. "We need to follow, but if we fail, how will the others know where we are?"
Akamai, her expression dark with resolve, unslung her battle axe from her back. The blade, glowing with an eerie, crimson light, seemed almost alive as it reflected the dying light of the day. "Roarin will mark the entrance with a Dynamic Marking Jutsu. Any of the clan will understand what that means," Akamai replied, her tone grim knowing that death awaited them in the temple. Roarin, at her signal, leaped forward and began marking the entrance with a swirling, luminous symbol that glowed briefly before fading into the dirt. The scent of his chakra spread through the air, mingling with the natural odors of the jungle before being carried away by the breeze.
"Good. Now let's go," Temari said, her voice edged with urgency. She removed her battle fan from her back, the weapon's intricate patterns gleaming dangerously in the twilight.
The jungle around them seemed to close in, the sounds of the night amplifying the eerie silence left in the wake of the ritual. The air was thick with the stench of decay and the oppressive hum of insects, creating a suffocating atmosphere as they moved forward, determined to uncover the dark secrets hidden within the temple's walls.
Finding the priests proved to be deceptively simple. Their chants grew louder and more fervent, echoing through the temple's darkened corridors as if sheer volume could conjure their god from the abyss. Temari and Akamai moved with practiced stealth, their steps soundless as they slipped through the shadows, poised to strike should the situation demand it.
The temple's interior was a stark contrast to the vibrant jungle outside. The walls were adorned with ancient, malevolent symbols, their meanings lost to time but their presence radiating a palpable sense of dread. The flickering torchlight cast long, unsettling shadows that seemed to writhe and dance with every movement.
At the back of the temple, the priests and acolytes had formed a tight circle around a deep, ominous pit. Their chanting had reached a fever pitch, their voices merging into a relentless, rhythmic drone that reverberated through the cavernous space. The air was thick with the acrid stench of burning incense mixed with something far more sinister—a rotting, putrid odor that made the back of Temari's throat burn.
Chains, rusted and ancient, hung from the ceiling above the pit. With each chant, they rattled and clanged, as if alive with a dark purpose. The chains began to move with a sinister creak, their links clinking together as they descended into the pit, pulling up something from its depths.
Temari and Akamai, hidden in the shadowy recesses of the temple, exchanged tense glances. The ominous sounds of the chanting and the metallic groan of the chains created a nightmarish symphony. The pit seemed to be a gateway to the unknown, and as the chains dragged whatever was hidden in its depths towards the surface, a thick, dark mist began to rise, swirling around the gathered figures.
The priests' fervor intensified, their voices blending into a cacophony of dark devotion. The acolytes stood in rigid formation, their faces hidden beneath their hoods, their eyes reflecting the eerie light of the glowing symbols on the floor.
As the object from the pit neared the surface, the tension in the air grew almost unbearable. Temari and Akamai remained perfectly still, their breaths shallow and their senses sharp. They knew that whatever emerged from that pit would be crucial to the priests' dark ritual—and they would have to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the evil being unleashed.
The chains dragged a large flat stone slowly from the depths of the pit. A figure emerged, chained and spread out, her arms and legs being pulled apart by the additional chains, half-covered in a thick layer of ice. As the chains pulled the stone higher, the ice cracked and shattered, revealing a familiar face beneath. Sakura's pale skin was marked by frostbite, her eyes opening to look around, the anger in them burning brightly as she took a deep breath. The cold had taken its toll, her chakra forcibly drained to feed the malevolent power below.
Sakura's once vibrant pink hair was matted and frozen, clinging to her face in icy strands. Her naked body, shackled and bound, was on full display, the weight of her predicament clear in her tense posture. The chains rattled as they hoisted her higher, each movement causing the ice to creak and groan before falling away, with each flare of her chakra threatening to envelop her once again.
Temari's eyes widened in shock and rage at Sakura's state. The realization hit hard—this was no mere sacrifice; it was a grotesque misuse of their friend's strength. The Moon God's ritual had drained Sakura's energy, turning her into a battery for their dark god.
Akamai's grip tightened on her battle axe, her knuckles turning white. "We have to do something," she whispered, her voice tinged with desperation. "She's being used as a power source."
Temari nodded, her expression hardening with resolve. "We need to get her out of there. We can't let this continue."
As the priests continued their chant, the air thickened with dark energy. The ice encasing Sakura began to crack further, but her form remained eerily still as she fought against the pull of the chains that bound her. The pit below was now a swirling vortex of dark power, the very essence of their twisted ritual. Among the dark energy flowing around her were streaks of red chakra burning through the black lines in the air before falling back.
The time for action was now. Temari and Akamai exchanged a determined glance and prepared to strike but both froze once the priest started to talk.
The elder priest turned to the one holding the Eye of the Moon God pendant. "Are you ready to open the Eye of the Moon God?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of grim finality as he moved closer.
"I have spent my whole life preparing for this moment," the acolyte replied, gripping the pendant tightly. The weight of their long-awaited task was evident in their eyes.
With a swift, practiced motion, the elder priest drew a long, curved knife from beneath his robes. He placed his hand over the acolyte's eyes, obscuring their vision, and without hesitation, drew the blade across the acolyte's neck. The cut was deep and precise, nearly severing the head from the body. Blood sprayed as the acolyte crumpled to the ground, their lifeless form collapsing on the last steps leading to the pit.
The elder priest stepped back, his expression unreadable as he watched the dead body fall into the swirling mist. He then kicked the lifeless form further into the pit, ensuring it joined the chaotic maelstrom of dark energy and lava.
"Let the Eye of the Moon God be opened, and let Him see us, His devoted followers, and bestow upon us all His glory in this world and everlasting life!" the priests chanted in unison, their voices rising in a fervent crescendo. The air crackled with dark energy, their sinister ritual nearing its climax.
Temari's eyes hardened with grim resolve as she unfolded her battle fan. "We need to move now," she commanded, her voice cutting through the chaotic chants. "I will deal with the priests. You free Sakura."
Akamai surged forward, her movements a blur of deadly precision. Landing atop the stone slab, she straddled Sakura, known to all the clan as the craziest member of the legendary Team Seven. With fierce declaration, she shouted over the tumult, "You will be free soon. Let the world know it was Akamai who freed you!" With a mighty swing, she brought her battle axe down, severing the chain binding Sakura's left leg. Wasting no time, she swiftly turned to the remaining chains.
"NO!" Sakura's scream pierced the air as only the chain around her right arm still held her captive. "Help me, Naruto is below!" she cried out, her voice choked with urgency. Desperately, she began pulling on the chain, straining to lift it one agonizing link at a time.
The moment Akamai freed Sakura, Temari unfurled her fan, its intricate design gleaming ominously in the dim light. She stood firm, her eyes locked on the priests. Her battle cry thundered through the chamber, a declaration of impending doom. "By my oath, you will all die!" Her words echoed with a chilling promise as she prepared to confront the priests with all the jutsu at her command.
Suddenly, the air around them thickened, and a dark, malevolent mist began to coil from the pit. The Moon God's power surged, manifesting as a writhing mass of black tendrils that erupted from the pit's depths. The priests' eyes widened in horror as the shadows took shape, grotesque tentacles snaking out with a life of their own. Each tendril lashed out, wrapping around the priests with ruthless efficiency. Their screams of terror echoed through the cavern as the tentacles drained their life force, leaving them as nothing more than desiccated husks, their bodies crumpling to the ground like discarded rags, blowing away as the villagers had done before them.
Temari stood motionless, her face a mask frozen in fear as the Moon God's dark power consumed the priests. Her gaze remained steely, ready to strike if necessary. She felt the Moon God's power, greater than any she had encountered, even surpassing Gaara's full-tailed beast form. She knew this battle could very well be her last.
"Temari, help me!" Akamai's voice cut through Temari's dark thoughts, her tone laced with desperation. "Naruto is below!" As she and Sakura continued their frantic effort to pull the chains up from the pit, the cavern erupted into a maelstrom of horror and violence, the Moon God's power wreaking havoc.
Temari's gaze remained fixed on the unfolding chaos, preparing for the inevitable confrontation. With a determined wave of her fan, she blew away the dark mist and joined the others in their frantic effort. All three worked together, pulling the chain with all their might.
Here's the revised passage with corrections and a touch of added intensity:
In mere moments, the steel net containing Naruto was dragged onto the stone surface. His clothes were burnt to ash, and his skin was blistered and charred. He had been hanging just inches from the lava when they began their desperate rescue. Only the fox's persistent efforts had kept him alive, even as the Moon God drained its chakra to fuel its own dark power.
"We need to get out of this temple; I have a very bad feeling about this," Akamai said urgently as she used her battle axe to cut Naruto free. Sakura wasted no time, pulling Naruto from the netting and placing him over her shoulders.
"Then lead the way," Sakura said, her eyes burning with an inner light that promised great pain to anyone responsible for the suffering inflicted on her beloved Naruto.
The path out of the temple was swift. Bursting into the jungle, they were met by one of the Inuzuka teams. Sakura carefully laid Naruto on the ground and seemed to freeze as she placed her hands on his burned chest. The air around them pulsed with powerful energy as she opened the gate of healing, drawing all available chakra towards them in a desperate bid to mend his shattered body.
The sight of Sakura's blue healing chakra flowing into Naruto, mingling with the bright red chakra of the fox, was a sight to behold. The blend of these two powerful forces, not in battle but with a singular purpose of healing and restoration, was something that those who witnessed it would recount to their grandchildren. Waves of power surged around them, ebbing and flowing as they were drawn back into Naruto. It was a strange battle—not of death, but of life being harnessed at a pinnacle of power that none knew could be achieved.
The tableau was shattered as the ancient trees that had overgrown the temple burst into flames. The temple's roof cracked open, peeling back as if an unseen force was tearing it apart. The stone itself seemed to bend and warp like clay under immense pressure.
"We need to run," Temari urged, her eyes wide with urgency. Having witnessed the remains of the other temples in their search, she knew this was only the beginning. She had no intention of being anywhere near the temple when it fully collapsed.
Looking back, Temari saw that Sakura had clung to Naruto's chest. Both were fully healed but unconscious, their naked forms glowing with restored vitality despite the overwhelming heat of the burning temple.
"Pick them up!" Temari ordered, her voice sharp with urgency. "Run, run, run! We have to get back to the ship!"
As they sprinted away, the deafening roar of the creature and the crashing sounds of the temple's collapse echoed through the jungle. The Moon God, a monstrous, one-eyed lizard the size of Gamabunta, let out a guttural bellow from the depths of the temple. Its form, reminiscent of a colossal kimono dragon, emerged from the wreckage with an otherworldly ferocity.
The shinobi ran with desperate speed, fully aware that they had no chance against the awakened deity. They reached the beach, where the Inuzuka dogs howled in a frantic signal for the ship to come and retrieve them. Behind them, the jungle ignited in a blaze as waves of black chakra rolled in and out of the underbrush as if a malevolent creature was exhaling darkness.
With each undulating wave, more of the jungle was reduced to smoldering ash, all life devoured by the insatiable darkness that had once been a sacred temple. This devastation marked the final and greatest emergence of the Moon God, fueled by the stolen chakra of Sakura, Naruto, and the Seven-Tailed Fox, kyubbi.
As Naruto's eyes fluttered open, he found Sakura lying nearby, her pale skin still glowing with the residual power she had channeled. The fiery aftermath of the burning jungle sent thick columns of smoke billowing into the sky like an angry volcano, a warning to anyone who dared approach.
Naruto struggled to his feet, his senses still reeling from the ordeal. He heard Kurama's voice, filled with urgency. "Come on, kid, get up. That thing is going to consume the world."
"What? What is going on?" Naruto asked, bewildered as he steadied himself.
"That is *Ouroboros*," Kurama growled, his voice laced with fury. "It's no god but a world-destroyer. We need to move, now. If it isn't stopped, it will devour everything in its path."
The realization hit Naruto with chilling clarity. The monstrous entity they had awakened was far more than they had imagined—its power was apocalyptic. He looked around, his heart pounding as he took in the smoldering remnants of the temple and the raging fire consuming the jungle. The fight was far from over, and the true battle was only just beginning.
Temari walked over and gave Naruto a passionate kiss before stepping back. "Here, future husband," she said with a smirk, handing him a set of his orange jumpsuit. "I don't think you want to go into this fight without any clothes."
"What? But how?" Naruto asked, still confused and now doubly so by Temari's unexpected gesture.
"You can thank Tayuya," Temari replied. "She gave them to me, saying she always kept a spare set of your clothes with her, and as a good wife, I should keep them with me."
"You wouldn't happen to have a spare dress or something in that scroll of yours?" Sakura asked, standing up. She showed no shame in her nakedness; with her renowned powers and perfect body, she had every reason not to be.
"Hold on, I've got a spare set of clothes that I think will fit you," Akamai said, seeing that they were about the same size.
Once dressed, the two members of Team Seven looked toward the growing column of smoke.
"What is it?" Sakura asked, pulling a belt tight around her waist.
"The fox said it's called Ouroboros, the Destroyer of Worlds," Naruto explained, rubbing the back of his head. "I think it tricked the villagers into feeding it chakra, and now it's on a rampage or something."
"Ouroboros? I've read some scrolls from the Warring Clans days; its power is all in its eyes," Jiraiya said, appearing behind Naruto, who spun around in surprise.
"Pervy Sage, where have you been?" Naruto exclaimed, his relief at seeing his mentor mingling with frustration.
"Looking for you," Jiraiya replied, sidestepping the real reason for his delay. He had enjoyed a night of storytelling and revelry on the beach with the local women, an experience he was more than willing to document in his next chapter of "Icha Icha."
The sage's thoughts were momentarily lost in memories of the previous night's adventures before he focused on the present danger.
"What are we going to do?" Sakura asked her tone all business as the sound of destruction grew louder.
"First, everyone needs to get back on the ship and sail as far away as possible. Naruto and I will handle this," Jiraiya said firmly.
"I'm not leaving Naruto, you old pervert," Sakura said defiantly, glaring up at the taller shinobi.
"Fine, but everyone else who can't open a chakra gate needs to get on that boat," Jiraiya yelled, his pointed look at Temari making it clear he was speaking directly to her. The urgency in his voice was evident as the impending doom grew ever closer.
"Temari, please, you have to go and take care of our son," Naruto called out as she hesitated at the water's edge. "I don't want my son to grow up without knowing his mother like I did. Now go."
"You better come back from this, you…" Temari began, but Naruto silenced her with a kiss before gently pushing her to join the others.
Once the shore was clear, Sakura turned to Jiraiya and Naruto. "So, what's the plan?" she asked, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
As the earth shook, the monstrous form of Ouroboros emerged from the jungle, its one massive eye glowing with malevolent energy. The beast resembled a colossal Komodo dragon, its scales dark and glistening like obsidian. Its presence exuded an overwhelming sense of dread.
Jiraiya took a deep breath and summoned Ma and Pa, the elder toads, to his shoulders. "We don't have much time, Naruto. Get into Sage Mode, and let's do this."
Naruto nodded as he created an army of clones, sending two off to focus on Sage Mode while the others rushed ahead, his expression set. Naruto focused, feeling the natural energy flowing into him, transforming his appearance as he entered Sage Mode. "I can only hold this for two minutes, so we need to make every second count," he told the others as he leaped into action.
Sakura took a deep breath, her muscles tensing as she opened the first three chakra gates. Her body surged with power, a green aura enveloping her as she prepared for the battle ahead.
"Here it comes!" Jiraiya shouted, his voice echoing through the clearing.
Ouroboros let out a deafening roar and lunged toward them. Jiraiya leaped into action, summoning a massive Rasengan in his hand and charging at the would-be god. Naruto followed suit, forming his own Rasengan and aiming for Ouroboros's eye.
The creature's eye glowed brightly, and a beam of dark energy shot toward them. Jiraiya and Naruto dodged, the beam scorching the earth where they had stood moments before. A clear line was burned into the jungle as everything died and fell into ash.
Sakura, watching for an opening, saw the creature's momentary distraction. She sprinted forward, her powerful legs propelling her with incredible speed. She launched herself into the air, aiming for the beast's head.
Ouroboros, sensing her approach, swung its massive tail toward her. Sakura twisted in mid-air but was unable to avoid getting hit as she was sent flying out over the sea, landing with a splash in the water.
"Now!" Jiraiya shouted.
Naruto and Jiraiya both charged their Rasengans and attacked the creature's eye simultaneously. The impact caused Ouroboros to howl in pain, its massive form writhing as it turned its whole body around, using its legs to kick them away.
Sakura summoned all her strength as she ran across the water, pulling natural chakra out of the very ocean as she went and drove her fist into the creature's side, sending it into the jungle as she dropped to the ground. That blow had taken everything she had, and she needed a moment to collect herself before she could do that again.
Ouroboros, enraged, reared back on its hind legs and sent a black burning mist at Sakura. Leaping out of the way, she tumbled through the air but landed gracefully, her body glowing once again with the power of the opened chakra gates.
"We need to hit it harder!" Naruto yelled, his time in Sage Mode running out as he sent an army of clones to crawl all over Ouroboros while he ran up the creature's back with a Rasengan in each hand.
Jiraiya nodded. "Keep it busy! I'll prepare something stronger." With swift hand signs, Jiraiya summoned Gamabunta, the chief of the toads, wielding a massive tantō. He didn't pause for a second as he leaped high over Ouroboros to land on its back, stabbing the tantō into it, momentarily pinning it to the ground. With a roar, Ouroboros shook Gamabunta off its back, black blood spurting out of the gash only to heal over.
Naruto created multiple shadow clones, all charging at Ouroboros, each wielding a Rasengan. The clones swarmed the beast, attacking from all sides.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya began forming seals, summoning a massive toad from Mount Myoboku. "Gamaguchi Shibari!" he shouted, and the toad's sticky tongue wrapped around Ouroboros, immobilizing it.
"Sakura, the eye!" Jiraiya commanded.
Sakura, her own eyes blazing with natural chakra, launched herself at the creature once more. This time, she focused all her power into one devastating punch. Her fist connected with the creature's forehead, missing her target but sending it back into the mountainside, its legs flailing in the air as it tried to right itself.
Breathing heavily, Sakura glanced over at Naruto as his Sage Mode faded, having used up the sage chakra from the other two clones. He then began to glow red as the fox chakra cloak came to the forefront, burning his skin as one, then two tails formed behind him.
With eyes glowing bright red and long fangs appearing from his mouth, Naruto charged at the creature once again with a scream of hate and rage all rolled into one. The fox would not let the insult to his power go unpunished.
Ouroboros charged forward, meeting Naruto in the midst of what was once a grand jungle but was now nothing more than a burned-out hellscape. Naruto used the buildup and release of immense chakra blasts against Ouroboros as the chakra cloak formed tendrils or arms that Naruto used to attack and defend.
With a massive kick from its foot, Ouroboros sent Naruto sprawling backward. Roaring defiantly, Naruto manifested three more tails from his back, his body completely enveloped in the chakra cloak. He unleashed a corrosive blast of burning fox chakra, which seared anything it touched, including Ouroboros. The beast rolled across the ground, trying to extinguish the searing fox chakra.
The moment Ouroboros regained its footing, Gamabunta slammed into him with full force, using both of his powerful legs to kick the creature into the air, sending it toward the volcano at the heart of the island.
Naruto, having lost all control of the fox's power, charged at Ouroboros with reckless abandon, colliding with the monster on the side of the mountain. He struck the beast over and over with everything he had, only to be beaten back after each hit.
"We need to get the Eye!" Jiraiya shouted as Sakura ran over to him. "Naruto will have to let the fox loose to defeat him at this point, and that would be the end of Naruto."
"I need to get on its head," Sakura said, looking into Jiraiya's toad-like eyes. "I can use chakra scalpel, but I need to be close."
Ma and Pa, observing the situation, remained ready to support Jiraiya's next move.
"Jiraiya boy, toss her girl in the air we will use Wind Cannon to send her over the beast," said Pa as they formed the hand signs for the jutsu.
Pa and Ma's jutsu propelled Sakura into the air with tremendous force, sending her soaring high over the volcano. As she reached the edge of the clouds, she glanced down to see Naruto and Ouroboros locked in a furious battle on the edge of the boiling lava. Each impact from their fight sent shockwaves rippling through the mountain, causing thick plumes of smoke to billow skyward.
Realizing that a missed landing could mean falling into the heart of the mountain, Sakura used her chakra to stabilize her descent. She glided gracefully, maneuvering with precision until she was directly above Ouroboros. Taking a deep breath, she let herself fall, landing on the beast's head with a jarring impact.
With her tree-climbing skills, she anchored herself firmly to its head, bracing against the violent motions of Ouroboros as it continued to clash with a blind, enraged Naruto. The creature thrashed violently, its body convulsing with each blow from Naruto.
In a moment of tense stillness, Sakura gathered all her chakra, calming her racing heartbeat. She placed both hands on the beast's head, just above its glowing eye, as the creature bucked and writhed from Naruto's relentless assault. Her fingers began to pulse with the intensity of her chakra, preparing to execute the crucial move.
In medical jutsu, it's usually taught that using less chakra is preferable—easier to control and less likely to cause harm to the patient. But in this moment, Sakura threw all caution aside. Channeling an overwhelming surge of chakra, she summoned her cutting blades with such intensity that they sliced through Ouroboros's flesh, carving a path of destruction as they curved back on themselves, aiming to excise the beast's eye in a single, decisive motion.
Just as Sakura completed the incision, Naruto's furious punch collided with the beast's chin, sending its head reeling backward. The force of the impact propelled the eye from its socket, sending it hurtling through the air.
Sakura leaped off, her focus fixed on the falling eye. She intended to slice it in half as it descended, but to her dismay, it began to shrink and transform into a gem mid-air. As she fell through the chaos, she managed to snatch the searing hot jewel from the air, its heat searing through her hand.
She landed heavily on the mountainside, tumbling down the slope until she came to a stop at the bottom. The gem pressed painfully against her stomach, but its weight reassured her that the crucial part of their plan had succeeded.
Jiraiya landed beside Sakura, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them. Naruto, his body glowing with the intense red chakra of the Kyūbi, was forming an oversized Rasengan. The swirling sphere of energy pulsed with immense power, drawing on the fox's devastating chakra.
With a fierce cry, Naruto launched the Rasengan toward Ouroboros. The colossal sphere of energy collided with the lizard-like god with explosive force. Ouroboros let out a thunderous roar, its massive form propelled over the edge of the volcano. The creature tumbled through the air, its screams mingling with the roar of the eruption as it plummeted into the fiery depths below.
The lava surged violently as the beast was consumed by the boiling rock and molten fury, its agonized cries gradually fading into the inferno. The volcano's eruption seemed to intensify, a fitting end to the monstrous threat that had terrorized their world.
In her frantic desperation, Sakura dropped the gem and raced up the mountain. Smoke and lava billowed around her as the volcano threatened to erupt. She found Naruto lying battered and unconscious on the side of the mountain, his body scorched and broken.
Without hesitation, Sakura scooped up Naruto's charred form and began her descent. The lava surged dangerously close behind, threatening to engulf them. She sprinted down the mountain, her heart pounding as she ran past Jiraiya, who was absorbed in examining the glowing gem.
Jiraiya's eyes widened in alarm as he noticed the approaching river of molten rock. Quickly abandoning his inspection, he joined Sakura in her desperate dash for safety. The two raced together, their path illuminated by the fiery glow of the lava as they made a final, frantic leap toward the safety of the water.
Without slowing down, Sakura and Jiraiya dashed across the water towards the ship and their waiting companions. The volcano continued to erupt violently, spewing lava and ash as it threatened to engulf the entire island.
Gently, Sakura placed Naruto down on the deck as the ship's crew pushed their vessel to its limits, speeding away from the eruption. The steam engines roared at full force, and the sails billowed under the relentless wind channeled by Temari, who stood resolutely at the stern, her wind jutsu sending wave after wave of gusts to propel the ship forward.
Akamai, her face etched with concern, knelt beside Naruto. "Will he be okay?" she asked, her voice trembling as she looked at Sakura.
"I need time," Sakura responded tersely, her focus unwavering as she poured all her skill into stabilizing Naruto. His body had been pushed beyond its limits, and she fought against the brink of death that threatened him.
The battle was won, but the cost was immense.
The ship was blown north into the vast, frigid waters of the Northern Gold Sea, named for the riches found in the mountains of Earth Country. The crew, preoccupied with their escape, cast anxious glances over their shoulders. What had once been a beautiful island was now a molten expanse of lava, leaving nothing alive but the echoes of lost dreams.
The few villagers who had survived drifted away in their small fishing boats, oblivious to the catastrophic consequences brought about by their leaders' actions. The fiery devastation left behind painted a stark reminder of the cost to their lives, wrought by their blind worship of a long-forgotten god.
"Hey, Yuka, do you think anybody is reading this?" Tomiko asked, her tone thoughtful.
Yuka paused, meeting her gaze in the mirror. With a nonchalant shrug, she replied, "I don't know. We never get a review, so maybe they don't care anymore."
Tomiko sighed and adjusted her hair in the reflection. "I suppose it doesn't really matter. At least we know our story had an impact, even if it's just us who appreciate it."
Yuka chuckled softly. "Yeah, sometimes it's enough just to have lived through the adventure."