The air was thick with tension as Naruto faced the Kage in the opulent meeting hall. The once-gleaming room was now shadowed by the impending conflict, the flickering torches casting elongated shadows that danced menacingly on the walls.
"Enough of this charade, Naruto!" the Raikage, Ay, bellowed, his muscles rippling under his robe. "You think you can just waltz in here and challenge the Kage? You'll regret this."
Naruto stood resolute, fists clenched at his sides. "I'm here to put an end to you both."
He looked around, noticing that Minato wasn't present. "He must've slipped out,"he thought, ready to face the threats in front of him.
Outside, the courtyard was a swirling chaos of fire aand water, where the sun barely pierced through the thick veil of mist that had settled over the battlefield. Ryu, Kurotsuchi, and Darui had been locked in combat against Yagura and Yugito for what felt like hours. Ryu's heart pounded in his chest as he deftly wielded his sword, his Kenjutsu skills on full display. Each slash of his blade sent flames dancing towards Yagura, who countered effortlessly with torrents of water that extinguished Ryu's fire before it could reach him.
"Is that all you've got?" Yagura taunted, his voice smooth, "You'll have to do better than that to touch me."
Ryu gritted his teeth, refusing to let the words of the jinchuriki get under his skin. He charged again, lunging forward with a determined strike. But Yagura was quicker, sidestepping and retaliating with a powerful wave of water that sent Ryu tumbling backward, his feet slipping on the ground.
As he rushed forward again, Ryu called upon his fire style ninjutsu, conjuring a swirling vortex of flames that shot toward Yagura.
[Fire style: Fire serpent]
This time, he focused, channeling his chakra to increase the intensity of the fire. But Yagura retaliated with a massive wave of water, and the two forces collided with an explosive force that sent steam covering the battlefield.
"You're persistent, I'll give you that," Yagura said, his tone dripping with admiration. He emerged from the mist, unscathed and more resolute than ever. "But it won't be enough."
Ryu charged forward, his sword slicing through the air as he closed the gap. He feigned left, then right, trying to outmaneuver Yagura. Each swing was met with a calculated dodge, water swirling around Yagura like a protective barrier. The jinchuriki's water style was a hard counter to Ryu's fire techniques, rendering them nearly useless.
Just as Ryu landed a shallow cut across Yagura's arm, the water in the air surged forward, wrapping around Ryu's legs.
[Water Prison]
Yagura sighed a breath of relief, his technique locking Ryu in place, immobilizing him.
"Damn it!" Ryu struggled against the water's grip, straining with all his might. In his peripheral vision, he saw Kurotsuchi getting overwhelmed by Yugito, her movements fluid as she pounded the Iwa kunoichi. Darui was trying to hold his own, but the odds were stacked against them.
Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi was engaged in a fierce struggle of her own. She created a series of earth spikes towards Yugito, who expertly dodged the attacks with acrobatic ease, zipping through the obstacles like a wraith. Ryu watched helplessly as Yugito closed the distance, landing a crushing punch to Kurotsuchi's jaw, knocking her out cold.
As Ryu thrashed in the water prison, Yugito approached with a wicked grin. "You're all alone now, Five-Tails. Time to end this." Her claws crackled with chakra as she charged forward, intent on tearing through Ryu's defenses.
"No!" Ryu shouted, focusing all his chakra into a desperate surge. With a roar, he broke free from the water prison just in time to intercept Yugito's attack. Their bodies collided with a sickening crunch, Ryu absorbing the blow but sustaining heavy damage in the process.
He tumbled backward, pain shooting through him, and he gasped for air, struggling to stand. Blood trickled down his face, but he couldn't let them see him falter. Not now.
Ryu grunted, adrenaline surging through him as he disengaged from Yagura, abandoning his battle to rush towards Kurotsuchi. But Yugito was relentless, she ran ahead of him, her claws charged with chakra and ready to deliver a final blow.
"Get away from her!" Ryu bellowed, leaping in front of Kurotsuchi just as Yugito lunged. He swung his sword, fire swirling around its edge, but Yugito sidestepped him, unfazed. The impact of her claw against Ryu's side sent him crashing to the ground, but he managed to push himself back up, breathing heavily as he shielded Kurotsuchi with his body.
Darui, seeing that the fight was too overwhelming, decided to retreat, shouting back to Ryu, "I can't do this man! Get to safety!" He sprinted away, leaving Ryu alone to face the two powerful jinchuriki.
Ryu's heart raced as he readied his stance again, focusing on Yagura and Yugito. "I won't back down." he declared, his voice firm despite the pain coursing through him.
Yagura's gaze softened for a moment, and a flicker of empathy crossed his face. He looked at Ryu, who was fiercely protecting Kurotsuchi, and it stirred memories of his own struggles, serving the late Mei Terumi, trying to earn her approval despite being viewed as merely a weapon.
"You don't have to do this, you know," Yagura said, his voice surprisingly calm. "I too once fought for someone who didn't see me as more than a tool. I don't want you to end up like that, fighting a battle that isn't yours."
Ryu shook his head, blood dripping from his wounds. "I can't stop," he gasped, glancing at Kurotsuchi, who was stirring but still unconscious. "I swore an oath when I was selected as the Five-Tails jinchuriki. I vowed to protect my village with everything I have."
Yugito rolled her eyes, impatience radiating off her. "Enough with the sentimental drivel! Just give up already."
Ryu gripped his sword tighter, determination flooding his veins. "But more importantly, I made a promise to myself."
With great effort, he readied his stance once more, despite the exhaustion pulling at him. "I swore to tirelessly protect what I love...even if it kills me."
In that moment, the world around him seemed to fade, leaving only the tension between the three shinobi standing in the desert. The sun blazed overhead, illuminating the fierce resolve in Ryu's eyes as he faced Yagura and Yugito.
The two jinchuriki shared a look, recognizing the unwavering spirit in the young man before them. Ryu felt his heart racing, adrenaline surging through him as he prepared for the fight that would define him.
Meanwhile in the meeting hall, Naruto engaged the four occupants of the room. With a thunderous roar, Ay charged forward, lightning crackling around him as he unleashed a series of rapid punches aimed at Naruto's head. The blond shinobi barely had time to react, ducking under the first strike and countering with a swift uppercut that caught Ay off guard. The Raikage staggered back, a look of surprise on his face.
"Is that all you've got?" Ay taunted, wiping blood from his lip. Taking off his robe, lightning chakra covered his skin. "You'll need to do better!"
"Ah crap..." Naruto watched as Ay prepared to take the fight seriously, ready to defend himself.
At that moment, Yugito suddenly stepped into the fray, her presence electric. "Sorry I'm late, Naruto."
"Better late than never," Naruto sighed in relief.
"We'll get them together," Yugito said with a determined expression, her chakra cloak flickering to life. "For Bee."
"For Bee."
The air in the grand meeting hall crackled with tension, a heavy silence lingering before the storm. Naruto stood at one end, his form cloaked in the vivid, swirling orange and black of Kurama's chakra, a power that surged through him, enhancing his strength, speed, and reflexes. Next to him, Yugito radiated a fierce blue flame, Maatatabi's chakra transforming her into a formidable force. They were ready for the confrontation ahead—two former enemies turned allies, standing against the formidable quartet of Ay, Ohnoki, Tsunade, and Samui.
Across the expansive hall, the opposing shinobi were bracing for the impending clash. Ay's eyes were fierce, his posture ready, muscles taut as coiled springs. Ohnoki stood steady beside him, age showing in the wrinkles etched into his face but wisdom glinting in his eyes. Tsunade, the legendary Sannin, cracked her knuckles, determination burning in her gaze. Samui, ever composed, stood at the ready, her senses sharp.
"Are you prepared to face us, Naruto?" Tsunade called, her voice steady, but tinged with the weight of their history. "You have gone too far!"
Naruto, unflinching, replied, "You don't understand, Tsunade! This is the only way to end the cycle of suffering!"
"Enough with your delusions!" Ay snapped, a low growl escaping his throat. "You will pay for your betrayal!"
In a heartbeat, the calm shattered as Ay charged forward, a blur of speed that echoed with his name—The Lightning Flash. Naruto reacted instantly, his shadow clones exploding into existence around him. Each clone mirrored his moves, forming a swirling vortex of chaos, while Yugito launched into action, her blue flames igniting the air around her.
"Stay sharp!" Yugito shouted, her voice fierce as she launched herself toward Samui.
[Fire style: Burning stream]
With blinding speed, she unleashed her technique, a whirlwind of burning blue energy that swept toward Samui. The Kumo kunoichi barely dodged, the flames scorching the air where she stood.
Naruto faced off against Ay, whose fists flew like lightning, each strike aimed with lethal precision. Naruto ducked under a punch, his training kicking in as he countered with a swift kick to Ay's side. The Raikage grunted but retaliated with a brutal elbow to Naruto's face, sending him staggering back.
"Is that all you've got?" Ay taunted, his confidence growing.
But Naruto grinned, the thrill of battle igniting within him. "I haven't even started yet!"
Summoning a Rasenshuriken, he hurled it toward Ay, who sidestepped with remarkable agility. The jutsu exploded against the wall, debris flying everywhere. Tsunade took advantage of the distraction, launching herself at Naruto.
"Get out of my way!" she yelled, delivering a powerful punch aimed at Naruto's gut.
He barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as Tsunade's fist connected with the ground, shattering the tiles beneath her. The force of her attack sent tremors through the hall.
Meanwhile, Yugito was a whirlwind of claws and flames, dancing around Samui with incredible agility. Each swipe of her razor-sharp claws was followed by an eruption of blue fire, pushing Samui to her limits as she struggled to keep up.
"Is that all you've got?" Yugito mocked, dodging a kunai thrown in her direction with a swift sidestep, her movements fluid as she retaliated with a quick blast of flames that singed Samui's arm.
"Why are you doing this Yugito?!" Samui cried out, tossing a kunai at her former ally and hitting nothing. "Why did you desert?"
"I had my reasons!" Yugito replied through gritted teeth, evading a slash from Samui and sending her back with a kick. "I was protecting my family! It was either my child or Kumo, and I knew damn well which choice to make!"
"Child?! You should've told me!" Samui hissed, narrowing her eyes as she prepared to retaliate.
On the other side of the hall, Naruto and Ay exchanged fierce blows, the sound of their strikes echoing in the vast chamber.
[Mini tailed beast bomb]
Naruto focused, channeling his chakra into a super mini tailed beast bomb, the energy coalescing in his palm.
"Time to end this!" he roared, hurling the bomb toward Ay.
But the Raikage was faster, using his own lightning-infused technique to create a barrier that deflected the blast, sending it careening into the ceiling. Debris rained down on him, creating a chaotic atmosphere. But emerging from the debris was Ay, unscathed.
"Your tricks won't work on me, Naruto!" Ay shouted, darting forward with a flurry of punches.
With each impact, Naruto felt the strain, but he kept moving, using his speed to evade Ay's strikes. He ducked and weaved, striking back with precision punches, the two of them moving like a deadly dance of destruction.
Just then, Ohnoki joined the fray, raising a hand and causing the ground to tremble.
[Stone Bullet Technique]
With a single move, he launched a barrage of rocks toward Naruto.
"Not today!" Yugito yelled, taking a moment from her own fight to help out Naruto.
[Mouse Hairball]
Her jutsu targeted the incoming projectiles, destroying them before they could impact her comrade. Ohnoki was forced to defend himself, using his particle style to disintegrate the incoming fireballs before they could reach him.
As the stones flew, Yugito had cornered Samui, flames licking at her heels. "You're outmatched!" she taunted, using her incredible speed to appear behind Samui, claws poised to strike.
Samui twisted, narrowly avoiding a deadly swipe. "I won't go down that easily!" she countered, but Yugito was relentless, pressing the attack.
"I don't want to hurt you Samui, at some point I considered you an acquaintance," Yugito pleaded, dodging a barrage of shuriken from Samui. "I'm not here for you."
"You should've told me you were pregnant, Yugito!" Samui shouted. "I might've-"
"Might've what?" Yugito cut her off. "There was nothing you could do for me, not with the Raikage breathing down your neck. Bee and I chose to leave on our own, you played no part in it and we wanted it like that."
Samui hesitated, her expression softening. "I'm sorry for what happened to Bee...I know you two were close..."
"We left to finally live out our dreams. For a while it was beautiful, those days we spent together as a family were the best days of my life." Yugito leaped onto a wall, evading a lightning arrow from Samui. Mustering energy, she leaped straight at Samui and caught her off guard. Samui found herself on the ground, Yugito standing menacingly above her.
"Until the Hokage and Mizukage attacked us," Yugito said with a disdainful tone, her anger swelling. "We fled from a life of servitude to the Raikage only for his new colleagues to hunt us down like dogs, taking the child we swore to protect to thrust back into the very life we put behind us."
Samui's expression softened further as she heard the emotion in Yugito's voice. "I'm...sorry."
"Please, save yourself and leave. My business here is my child and the Hokage." Yugito declared, retracting her claws as she watched Samui get up.
"I hold no grudge against you Samui, but if you stand between me and my goal in this village, I will cut you down."
Yugito turned around, directing her gaze towards Naruto who was still doing battle with Ay and Tsunade. "The Raikage's fate is sealed...we will make sure of it. Don't make yourself an issue for us."
With that she took off, leaving Samui alone with her thoughts.
The hall erupted into chaos as a squad of Konoha shinobi armed with rifles joined the battle. They began firing, their bullets whizzing through the air. Naruto and Yugito had to dodge as they moved, Yugito weaving effortlessly between the gunfire, her speed leaving a blur in her wake.
"Naruto! Focus!" Yugito called, breathless yet fierce. "We need to take them out!"
"Got it!" he shouted back, summoning more shadow clones to create a diversion. The clones rushed forward, engaging the Konoha shinobi, creating an opening.
With a surge of determination, Naruto harnessed Kurama's chakra, his eyes blazing as he channeled his energy.
[Rasenshuriken]
He threw his jutsu toward the remaining shinobi, who scrambled to avoid it. The attack exploded, sending them reeling.
In the midst of the chaos, Tsunade and Ay were regrouping, their expressions a mix of anger and focus. "We need to eliminate them now!" Tsunade shouted, determination in her voice.
"Agreed!" Ay growled, launching himself back into the fray. But Naruto was ready, pushing himself further.
"Yugito, sync your attacks with mine." Naruto muttered to Yugito by his side, charging toward Ay once more.
"Right."
Yugito, with Maatatabi's blue flames surrounding her, joined him. Together, they executed a powerful combination attack. As Naruto struck Ay with a powerful punch, Yugito followed up with a blazing tail of fire, aiming for Tsunade.
"Stand down!" Tsunade shouted, summoning her strength. But the flames caught her off guard, pushing her back.
With the two of them working in perfect harmony, Naruto and Yugito began to turn the tide. They pressed forward, engaging Ay and Tsunade in a fierce exchange that tested their limits.
"Damn you traitor!" Ay roared, charging towards Yugito. She took off in a blur and Ay gave chase, determined to punish his once loyal soldier.
"Naruto!" Yugito called out, watching her teammate create a Rasenshuriken in the corner.
[Rasenshuriken]
He tossed his jutsu towards Ay as Yugito ducked underneath it, causing the Raikage to slow down and brace for impact.
The Rasenshuriken hurt like hell, but Ay's lightning armour held firm. Just as he prepared to seek his foes again, another Rasenshuriken hurled towards him, this one more menacing. As Ay prepared to evade, the Rasenshuriken suddenly became Yugito, her claws extended and prepared to strike.
"Arghhhh!" Ay roared in pain as Yugito's claws drew blood from his chest. She tumbled to the floor beneath him, rolling back to her feet and vanishing in a flash of blue.
"About time!" Naruto called out, relieved to see the Raikage had finally taken significant damage. However, he didn't have time to celebrate as Tsunade descended on him, her fist raised.
Naruto was quick to evade, sidestepping two more punches from the Senju.
"Take this!" Tsunade roared, delivering a particularly devastating blow to Naruto. However, the jinchuriki was quicker, darting to her side with a knowing grin.
Just then, a streak of blue collided with Tsunade, Yugito's kick sending her crashing into a wall. As Tsunade rose to her feet, she saw Naruto already behind her, poised to attack. She barely had time to react as his uppercut sent her staggering.
"Yugito!" Naruto called out, seeking his partner. "Don't kill her!"
"Why not?!" Yugito asked as she landed a flurry of slashes on her opponent.
"Just listen to me!" Naruto urged, rushing from behind to land a kick on Tsunade.
The pair continued to deal punishment to the sannin, attacking her in sequence.
After a particularly nasty combo, Yugito bent low, evading a swing from Tsunade. Mustering energy, she sent Tsunade upwards with a fierce kick. Tsunade watched helplessly as she spotted Naruto on the ceiling above her, waiting.
[Rasengan]
With a roar, Naruto leaped downward, slamming his jutsu into Tsunade. They crashed to the floor below, creating a large crater beneath them.
"Sorry Granny..." Naruto whispered, watching the closest person he had to a mother sprawled before him.
Just as it seemed they had the upper hand, Ohnoki and Ay regrouped, launching another assault. Ohnoki raised the ground beneath them, trying to trip Naruto and Yugito, while Ay rushed towards them.
Yugito was faster, dodging the Ay's Lariat with grace. "Keep moving!" she shouted, darting around the obstacles.
Naruto followed suit, launching another mini tailed beast bomb toward Ohnoki, but Ay was there to intercept, deflecting the jutsu with a lightning-infused fist.
The battle raged on, with Naruto and Yugito weaving through attacks, blood seeping from their wounds as the violence escalated. Each side was relentless, pushing their limits. But Naruto felt the strain; bullets had struck him, pain seeping through his body as he pressed on.
Ohnoki attempted to summon his Earth Release, but Naruto was relentless, finally landing a powerful punch that sent the Tsuchikage crashing to the floor, unconscious.
"We can't back down now!" Naruto shouted, rallying his strength.
Yugito nodded, her resolve firm. "Together, we can do this!"
But as the fight dragged on, the Konoha shinobi began to regroup, their numbers swelling. Just as Naruto thought they could gain the upper hand, the tide began to turn again.
Ay, with renewed vigor, charged at Naruto, fists flying. Tsunade was at his side, her wounds healed, and together they pushed Naruto back, forcing him to defend.
"Naruto, watch out!" Yugito shouted as she launched herself toward Tsunade, trying to buy him time.
"Yugito!" Naruto yelled, feeling the panic rising.
"I'm fine! Keep fighting!" she called back, engaging in a fierce struggle with Tsunade, her claws clashing against the legendary Sannin's strength.
With a nod, Naruto directed his attention towards the Raikage.
The chaos continued, but slowly, it became clear that Naruto and Yugito were becoming overwhelmed. The relentless assaults, the pain of gunshots in Naruto's body, and the pressure of facing three powerful opponents began to take their toll.
Hinata stood in a room in the research facility, her breath steady and focused, an arrow nocked tautly against the bowstring. Her target was Lord Danzo, who sat at the desk, a veneer of calm masking the fury in his eyes. Behind him, a control panel was peppered with arrows, one having impaled the dashboard with a solid thud.
"Do you know what you've done?" Danzo hissed, his teeth clenched tightly as he regarded her with a mixture of anger and disbelief.
Hinata frowned, her resolve unwavering. "I'm well aware, Danzo."
He cursed under his breath, his frustration bubbling over. "You've ruined everything! All my plans—"
"Your plans?" Hinata interrupted sharply. "You mean the ones that involve selling Hanabi into slavery? Planning to marry her off to someone in Konoha when she's only seven years old?" Her voice was steady, but the intensity of her gaze was unwavering.
Danzo's laughter echoed through the room, mocking. "Sentimental, aren't we?" he replied with feigned indifference. "It's all for the-"
"Good of the nation?" Hinata finished for him, her voice laced with disdain. "Konoha isn't just a territory; it's its people. Anyone who claims to love them wouldn't exchange their lives for weapons." Her heart raced as she faced him, knowing the weight of her words. "No one with the best interests of the village at heart would do what you've done, much less plot a coup."
Danzo's expression faltered, the mockery replaced with anger as he tried to deny her accusations. "Coup plotter? Nonsense! You know nothing of what I'm trying to accomplish."
"Don't I?" Hinata's voice was low, almost a whisper, but laced with steel. "I know all about you and Minato's plan to eliminate the Five Kage and capture the rogue jinchuriki for their tailed beasts. I've been watching you for a long time, Danzo." She leaned in closer, the tension in the air thickening. "I was there when you betrayed Minato, hoping to claim the Hokage's seat for yourself. It's amusing, really. He finally got a taste of his own treachery."
Danzo's face twisted in anger, fury boiling just beneath the surface as he considered his next move. Hinata could sense it, the danger lurking in his eyes. As he reached for a hidden weapon in a drawer, she raised her voice again, "Stop! I already noted the dagger in there."
Danzo froze, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. "You're a foolish child. You think you can just kill me?"
Hinata's expression hardened. "More than just killing you for what you wanted to do to Hanabi, I now have more reason to eliminate you. As a Shinobi of Konoha, I have a duty to eliminate traitors like you, especially those who threaten the life of the Hokage."
"Think this through, Hinata," Danzo pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "We can work together. I can offer you—"
Ignoring his attempts to sway her, Hinata infused her arrow with chakra, its tip glowing ominously. "This is the end for you."
"Damn you!" Danzo lunged for the drawer, but before he could grasp the weapon, Hinata let loose her arrow. It flew through the air, striking his hand and pinning it firmly to the table. Danzo grunted, pain etched across his face as he struggled against the arrow that bound him.
Hinata prepared another arrow, her expression unwavering as she drew the string back. "This is for Hanabi," she stated coldly as she released the second arrow, which found its mark in Danzo's chest. He gasped, eyes widening in shock.
"Y-You'll regret this…" he stammered, struggling to breathe. "You'll never make it out of here alive, Hyuuga...I should've sent you to prison for aiding that terrorist Naruto when I had the chance! If Minato wasn't so sentimental none of this would be happening!"
Hinata was resolute, stepping closer to Danzo.
"Well that's too damn bad."
She notched a third arrow and let it fly, this time striking his forehead. Danzo's body slumped lifelessly against the table.
Hinata stood for a moment, her heart pounding as she gazed at his dead body, the weight of her actions crashing down around her. The satisfaction of revenge felt bittersweet, a hollow victory amidst the chaos she knew would follow.
Retrieving her arrows, she turned to leave the room. But as she stepped out, the blaring of alarms echoed through the facility, panic stirring in her chest. Her mind went back to the events that recently transpired, and she realized that Danzo had likely triggered the alarm before he died. Figures now moved swiftly in the shadows, searching for her. Her heart raced as she plotted her escape, the dread of being caught creeping in.
With urgency, she slipped deeper into the facility, the adrenaline coursing through her veins, determined to evade those hunting her down. The stakes were high, and she could not afford to fail now.
The clash between Naruto and Ay was a storm of violence, echoing through the grand hall. Lightning crackled in the air as Ay, the Fourth Raikage, stood poised and ready, his body enveloped in a shimmering chakra cloak. Across from him, Naruto felt the weight of his destiny pressing down. This was more than just a fight; it was a confrontation with his past and the tyrant who had wronged him and those he loved.
Naruto initiated the engagement, charging at Ay with fierce determination. "I won't let you hurt anyone else!" he yelled, conjuring a swirling blue Rasengan in his hand. With a swift movement, he lunged forward, aiming for A's midsection. But Ay was quicker; he dodged to the side, flickering out of sight with his Lightning Release Body Flicker Technique. Naruto's attack grazed the wall, the impact sending debris flying.
"Is that all you've got, brat?" Ay taunted, his voice booming like thunder. He appeared behind Naruto in an instant, delivering a powerful punch that sent him sprawling across the floor. Pain shot through Naruto's body as he slammed into the ground, but he quickly rolled to his feet, his resolve unbroken.
Naruto retaliated with a series of punches and kicks, but Ay's lightning cloak absorbed much of the impact. Each strike met with the barrier of electric energy was like hitting a solid wall, and frustration boiled within Naruto. Ay blocked a kick and countered with a quick jab, forcing Naruto back again.
"You think you can take me on? You're just a kid playing hero," Ay mocked, his confidence unwavering. But Naruto gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain and refusing to give up. This was personal, and he could feel the anger surging within him. The Raikage had torn his life apart, and now he stood between Naruto and his vision of peace.
[Rasenshuriken]
With a battle cry, Naruto summoned the Rasenshuriken, its spinning blades glinting dangerously in the light. He launched it towards Ay, the deadly jutsu slicing through the air with ferocity. Ay's eyes widened, but he reacted quickly, weaving through the attack and appearing behind Naruto once more.
Ay grabbed Naruto by the arm, using his strength to lift him off the ground before slamming him back down with the Liger Bomb, creating a massive crater in the floor. The impact rattled the entire building, and Naruto groaned as pain radiated through his body. But even as he lay hurt, he managed to kick Ay away, creating distance between them.
Naruto staggered to his feet, determination burning in his eyes. He could feel Kurama's chakra swirling within him, knitting his broken ribs and mending his wounds. "You'll pay for that!"
[Rasengan]
He shouted, launching a Rasengan directly at Ay. This time, he managed to strike the Raikage in the back, sending him crashing forward. Ay stumbled but quickly regained his footing, barely scratched.
"Not bad, but not nearly enough!" Ay laughed, wiping dust from his shoulder as he glared at Naruto. "You're going to have to do better than that, Uzumaki!"
With renewed determination, Naruto pressed on. He focused on his next move, trying to think beyond brute strength. Kurama's voice echoed in his mind."I'm getting tired of reminding you to do this, but you need to think outside the box!"
"I'm trying!"
"What have you trained all these years for?!"Kurama shot back at Naruto."Surely you must've learned something that could help us now?"
Nodding, Naruto's eyes flickered with determination. He remembered his training sessions with Hinata, specifically her gentle fist technique, which targeted an opponent's internal organs. He had asked her to teach him the basics once, when they were deployed together in the lightning nation. It was a thought that had never crossed his mind during his subsequent battles, but it now lit a spark of inspiration.
He breathed deeply, relaxing his stance and adjusting his form. As he prepared, Ay watched him with curiosity, a mocking grin still on his face. "What's this? Are you trying a new dance? Come on, is this all you can muster?"
But Naruto was no longer the child who would be easily taunted. He took a fluid stance, mimicking some of the graceful movements he had seen from Hinata. "Bring it on," he declared, his voice steady.
With a sudden burst of speed, Ay charged forward, aiming to close the distance. But this time, Naruto was ready. He evaded Ay's charge, redirecting his energy into a series of precise strikes aimed at Ay's pressure points, executing a clumsy approximation of Hinata's gentle fist technique. The impact of his hits made Ay momentarily stumble, shock evident in his eyes.
But Ay quickly regained control. "You think some fancy moves can take me down?" he growled, retaliating with a powerful punch that Naruto barely managed to dodge. He weaved through the next few strikes, managing to land another hit against Ay's side.
Naruto felt exhilaration rise within him; he was finally breaking through Ay's defenses. But he needed to keep pushing. He dug deep, recalling every moment of his training, every time he had trained with Hinata.
Naruto landed several hits on Ay, waiting for openings and dealing damage internally. He was still an amateur, and he had no dojutsu making his attacks much less effective but he pressed on, especially seeing the Raikage begin to stagger from his palm strikes. He launched himself at Ay again, aiming for an opening.
This time, however, Ay was ready. He flicked back, landing a punishing blow to Naruto's stomach. The air rushed from Naruto's lungs, but he quickly recovered, fueled by the memories of everything he fought for. He wouldn't be defeated here. Not now.
Naruto readied himself for another charge, but Ay flickered behind him once more, preparing to deal a crushing blow. In that moment, the world slowed.
His heart pounded as he felt the weight of the past and the future bearing down on him. He would fight for his friends, for Hinata, for peace.
With newfound strength, Naruto inhaled sharply, gathering his chakra for a tailed beast bomb. But he hesitated, taking in the environment around him. He couldn't destroy the entire building—not while so many lives were at stake.
[Rasenshuriken]
His eyes fixed on Ay, the Raikage of Kumogakure, who was already gathering himself for the next assault. With a fierce resolve, Naruto hurled a Rasenshuriken toward the lightning-quick shinobi.
Ay's instincts kicked in. With a burst of speed that was the hallmark of his reputation, he evaded the jutsu by a hair's breadth, the Rasenshuriken whistling past him and tearing into the landscape, sending debris flying. Before Naruto could react, Ay surged forward, his fist glowing with chakra, ready to strike.
But a Naruto clone appeared just in time, intercepting Ay's charge with a well-placed kick that sent him sprawling mid-air. "You're not getting past me!" the clone shouted before dissipating into a cloud of smoke.
Naruto seized the opportunity, analyzing Ay's movements. He noticed the Raikage was slightly slower than before, his earlier attacks showing signs of fatigue."That's it!"Naruto thought, a flicker of hope igniting within him. He unleashed a dozen clones, each one summoning a Rasengan that shimmered ominously with power. "Let's finish this!"
As Ay regained his footing, the wave of Naruto clones charged, each one brandishing their Rasengan like a whirlwind of destruction. Ay braced himself, ready to counter, his movements becoming a blur as he began to take on each clone, smashing through them one by one. Yet, with every blow he struck, Naruto could see the toll it was taking.
With Ay distracted, Naruto focused chakra into his arm, manifesting a massive chakra hand that shot out and grabbed Ay, lifting him into the air. Naruto shouted, his voice echoing as he propelled Ay upward through the ceiling with tremendous force.
Naruto leaped after him, harnessing the power of Kurama, the Nine-Tails. Ay bright light enveloped him as he transformed, flames erupting from his skin as his chakra expanded, a fearsome aura surrounding him. "Kurama, let's do this!" he yelled, channeling chakra into a massive Tailed Beast Bomb.
"Not yet!" he shouted as he charged the jutsu, the sphere growing larger and more menacing with every second. Ay looked up, panic flashing in his eyes as he realized the enormity of the attack heading his way.
Naruto released the Tailed Beast Bomb, watching it soar through the air. The bomb struck Ay directly, engulfing him in an explosion that lit up the sky and sent shockwaves rippling through the ground below.
The roar of the explosion resonated through Konoha, shaking the very foundations of the village. Dust and debris filled the air as Naruto descended, fatigue starting to weigh heavily on him. He landed back in the hall, wincing as pain shot through his body from the earlier exertions. But within him bloomed a sense of relief. "It's done… I finally killed Ay."
But the moment of triumph was short-lived. As the smoke cleared, a figure emerged, battered yet defiant. Ay stood, injured and charred, his hair disheveled, but the fierce light in his eyes hadn't dimmed. "You think that's enough to take me down?" he growled, his voice low and steady.
Naruto's heart sank. He had poured everything into that attack. How could he still be standing? "I need to finish this..." But before he could act, Ay charged forward, closing the distance with an explosive burst of speed.
"Your foolishness ends here!" Ay roared, launching himself at Naruto with an electrified fist aimed directly at his heart.
With adrenaline pumping, Naruto managed to dodge just in time, feeling the rush of wind from Ay's fist as it barely grazed his side. "I can't let him land a hit!" He summoned another wave of clones, each one rushing to engage Ay. But he was a storm, moving through them with lethal precision, fists flying and cracking like thunder.
"Stop dancing around! Face me!" Ay yelled, frustration seeping into his voice.
As Ay barreled toward him again, Naruto feigned left, only to roll right and evade the incoming punch. "You're not the only one who can move fast!" he taunted, pulling chakra from the depths of his reserves.
The moment Ay overcommitted to his punch, Naruto seized the chance, grabbing his arm with a chakra-infused grip. "Let's see how you like this!" he shouted, swinging Ay around and sending him crashing into the ground.
Naruto felt his rage swell as he rushed towards his opponent. He shifted right, slamming a Rasengan right in Ay's face. Without his lightning cloak, his defenses were significantly weaker and Naruto took notice as he saw the Raikage's nose bleed.
But Ay was relentless. He rolled back onto his feet, eyes blazing with determination. "You think you can hold me? I'll show you!"
[Lariat]
Ay shouted, sprinting forward again, this time aiming for a devastating tackle.
"Damn it!" Naruto cursed, barely managing to raise his arms just in time to absorb the impact. The force of Ay's strike sent him skidding across the ground, cracking the earth beneath him.
As he struggled to regain his footing, Ay charged again, but this time, something shifted within Naruto. Anger surged through him, mingled with the pain of losing his friends and the burden of his decisions. He had promised to eliminate the Raikage, both to himself and to her.
"I'm not failing myself again."
[Rasenshuriken]
With renewed vigor, Naruto called forth a spinning disc of chakra, unleashing it in a shockwave that sent Ay stumbling backward. "This is for everyone you've hurt!" he yelled, channeling everything into his Rasenshuriken, feeling the immense energy thrumming in his hands.
"Go to hell!" he shouted, sending the jutsu spiraling toward Ay. But Ay, with his back against the wall, tapped into his own diminishing reserves, preparing for one last effort.
"Not again!" he roared his lightning cloak flickering weakly around him, and the the Rasenshuriken collided with him, creating a blinding explosion that lit the hall. Naruto felt the shockwave slam into him, but he stood firm, pushing against the force with everything he had.
As the dust settled, Naruto could make out Ay's silhouette standing in the aftermath of his attack.
"No..." He began to feel disappointment creep but suddenly, Ay's silhouette dropped to it's knees and tumbled forward.
Motionless.
Naruto felt a wave of relief wash over him as he dropped to a knee, finally feeling exhausted.
"I did it," He gasped, trying to catch his breath.
"I did it..."
The hall crackled with tension, the air thick with the scent of impending violence. Tsunade stood firm, her brow furrowed in concentration as she faced Yugito, the jinchuriki of the two-tailed beast. Tsunade's reputation as the Legendary Sannin preceded her, but she knew this would be no easy fight. Yugito, with her speed and agility, was a force to be reckoned with.
Without a word, Yugito lunged forward, a blur of motion as she transformed into a whirlwind of claws and fury. Tsunade barely had time to react. The first strike came like lightning—a swift swipe that caught her across the side, drawing blood. Tsunade grunted in pain, her body momentarily rocked by the impact, but she quickly regained her footing.
"Is that all you've got?" Tsunade gritted her teeth, shaking off the initial shock. But Yugito was relentless, darting in and out of her reach, her claws glinting in the light as they slashed through the air. Tsunade's eyes widened in realization as she struggled to track her opponent. Every attempt to counter was met with blinding speed, and Yugito's agility seemed to mock her.
"Try harder, old lady!" Yugito taunted, her voice laced with confidence. With a sudden burst, she lunged again, her claws aimed directly at Tsunade's arm. The blow was swift and brutal, severing Tsunade's hand at the elbow in a spray of crimson.
But Tsunade's legendary resilience kicked in almost instantly. She felt the pain, but the seal on her forehead glowed, and in a matter of moments, her hand reformed, sinew and muscle knitting together as if by magic. "You're going to regret that," Tsunade growled, her eyes now ablaze with determination.
With newfound resolve, Tsunade focused her chakra, allowing it to surge through her body. She anticipated Yugito's next move. As the jinchuriki lunged forward again, Tsunade sidestepped, catching Yugito off balance. With a fierce roar, she slammed her fist into Yugito's gut, the force sending the jinchuriki crashing into the ground.
Yugito grunted, the wind knocked from her lungs, but she quickly rolled to her feet, a feral gleam in her eyes. Tsunade didn't give her a moment to breathe. She unleashed a flurry of devastating punches, each blow connecting with sickening thuds that echoed through the battlefield. Blood splattered as Tsunade landed hits, her fists becoming a whirlwind of destruction. She dealt a powerful cross to Yugito's jaw, swinging with her left and slammed her right fist into her opponent's gut, causing her to double over. Tsunade didn't stop, trying to hit Yugito again but the jinchuriki was quicker, rolling to the side.
Yugito groaned in pain, beginning to taste blood in her mouth."She's pretty damn strong"... she thought, but Tsunade wasn't finished.
"See? You're not so tough!" Tsunade shouted, landing another solid hit that knocked Yugito back. But even as she pressed her advantage, Yugito heard Maatatabi's voice echoing in her mind, alerting her to an incoming attack.
"Watch out!"The beast's warning rang through her thoughts.
In an instant, Yugito vanished from Tsunade's line of sight, appearing behind her with blinding speed. Tsunade, taken by surprise, felt a powerful kick slam into her back, sending her crashing against a nearby wall. Dust and debris flew as she struggled to regain her footing, shaking her head to clear the stars from her vision.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Tsunade roared, charging back at Yugito, her fists ready to unleash hell. But before she could reach her opponent, the world around her blurred once more.
Yugito darted away, utilizing her incredible agility to evade Tsunade's grasp. Just as the Sannin was about to launch a powerful strike, another figure entered the fray—Naruto Uzumaki, rushing in from the side. "Yugito! Move!" he yelled. He struck with a Rasengan, the spiraling sphere knocking Tsunade back several meters.
"Naruto! This path you—" Tsunade started to protest, but as she looked up, she saw him raising his hands in surrender. He stepped between her and Yugito, eyes wide and sincere.
"I'm not here to fight you, Tsunade! I don't have a grudge against you. Just… please, let's avoid any more fighting," he pleaded, glancing nervously between the two powerful women.
Yugito frowned, her claws still poised for battle. "Why do you keep defending this woman?" she protested, annoyance creeping into her tone.
"Yugito, just stand down!" Naruto insisted, a pleading look on his face. "I know Tsunade is a good person. Let's not make this worse."
Yugito hesitated, her instincts at war with Naruto's words. After a moment, she relented, crossing her arms with an exasperated sigh. "Fine! I'll go find Minato," she said, her irritation palpable as she turned away, stalking off to continue her search.
As Yugito left, Naruto turned his attention to Tsunade.
"Lady Tsunade, I didn't come here for you," Naruto pleaded. "I don't want to fight you."
Tsunade rose to her feet, her gaze still fixed on Naruto. "So why are you here?"
"I'm here for other people."
"Like your father?" Tsunade asked, stepping closer to Naruto. "Why do you want to attack your father? Why are you doing all this Naruto?"
"Because he deserves it." Naruto answered firmly. "I'm trying to fix things, Tsunade."
"But is this the way?" She asked, her concern beginning to show. "Naruto, Minato is your father...at some point you need to ask your-"
"I've made up my mind, Lady Tsunade." Naruto said in a low tone. "You know Minato as much as I do, what he has done...what he tolerates. I am done being one of his pawns, and I don't want that for anyone I love."
"Naruto..." Tsunade gasped in disbelief, "This isn't you..."
"My mind is set, lady Tsunade." Naruto declared. "Our world is rotting, and people like father are at the center of it all. I've taken a step to try to fix things, and all I ask of you, lady Tsunade is to not stand in my way."
With that Naruto turned around and sped off, leaving Tsunade alone in the hall, her mind struggling to grasp with the fact that the Naruto she watched grow up was no more...
The blaring alarm echoed through the Konoha research facility, a relentless siren that made Hinata's heart race. Shadows flickered in the hallways as patrolling shinobi moved with precision, searching for any signs of intruders. The weight of her quiver on her back felt heavier than usual, each arrow a reminder of the dangers she faced. With two dozen left, she knew she had to conserve them.
Activating her Byakugan, Hinata scanned the area, her vision slicing through walls like paper. She focused on the chakra signatures of the soldiers, noting their movements. The heightened awareness made her grateful for the specialized uniform she wore, courtesy of Yugito, even if it bore the insignia of Kumogakure.
As she pushed through the tension, a glimmer of intrigue caught her attention. One room stood out, its interior concealed from her Byakugan. What could be hidden within? Memories flooded her mind, recalling the jinchuriki hideout she had once discovered, a place of secrets and shadows. She hesitated, torn between finding an escape route and exploring the mysterious room. Curiosity tugged at her, and against her better judgment, she decided to investigate.
Stealthily, Hinata made her way down the corridor, sidestepping the guards and their watchful eyes. The atmosphere buzzed with tension, and she held her breath as she approached the door. A card scanner was mounted beside it, suggesting whatever lay inside was of great importance.
Just as she prepared to enter, the sound of approaching footsteps made her heart plummet. Without thinking, she dove into a nearby locker room, praying it was empty. She pressed her back against the door, listening intently as the guards passed, their voices echoing outside. Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived. A muffled breath behind her made her spin around, just in time to dodge a lunge.
"Sakura!" Hinata gasped, her eyes wide as she recognized her friend.
Sakura's expression shifted from surprise to determination as she readied for another attack, clearly seeing Hinata as a Kumo ANBU agent. Hinata, moving quickly to create distance, called out her name. "Sakura, wait! It's me!"
"Hinata?" Sakura paused, confusion knitting her brows together. "What are you doing here dressed like that?"
"I'm on a mission!" Hinata explained, dodging another lunge from Sakura. She quickly removed her mask, revealing her identity, hoping to break through Sakura's confusion.
Sakura's eyes widened in shock. "A mission? Here? In Konoha? Why?"
"I... I assassinated Danzo," Hinata confessed, her voice low and steady. "He was plotting a coup."
Sakura blinked, disbelief painting her features. "What? You're serious?"
"He was a threat to the village, Sakura! To all of us!" Hinata's heart raced, urgency propelling her words. "But now they're after me."
Sakura's expression softened but confusion still lingered. "You? Why would you—"
"I'm the one they're hunting!" Hinata interrupted. "You have to believe me!"
Sakura hesitated, processing the weight of Hinata's revelation. "Okay, but we need to get out of here. You can't stay in that uniform. It'll put you in danger."
Before Hinata could respond, Sakura rushed to a nearby locker, opening it and pulling out civilian clothes. "Change quickly. The shinobi outside won't hurt us if they think you're staff."
Hinata nodded, grateful for Sakura's quick thinking. She hurriedly changed, her hands trembling as she slipped into the clothing. As she finished, Sakura glanced toward the door, her expression tense.
"Let's go," Sakura urged, leading the way.
As they moved, Hinata's instincts kicked in. She paused, noticing a shinobi patrolling nearby. "Wait! Sakura, stop!"
Sakura turned, confusion etching her features, just as a bullet impacted the wall beside her, sending debris flying. "What the—"
"Run!" Hinata shouted, her heart racing. "It's an ANBU!"
The urgency propelled them into motion, and they sprinted back as Hinata grabbed her belongings, her heart pounding in her chest. She guided Sakura toward the mysterious room she had spotted earlier.
Hinata accessed the door with her card, adrenaline surging as they slipped inside. The door sealed behind them, and they were plunged into a dimly lit space, the air thick with tension.
Sakura turned to her, panic coloring her voice. "What just happened? Why would they fire at us?"
Hinata took a deep breath, her mind racing to make sense of their situation. "That was an ANBU agent, likely loyal to Danzo. They must think we're trying to escape."
"Escape?" Sakura echoed, realization dawning. "We're trapped in the facility now."
Hinata nodded, her heart sinking. The walls felt like they were closing in, and the alarms echoed ominously in the background. They were two friends caught in a web of danger, and the stakes had never been higher.
"We need to think of a plan," Hinata said, her voice steady despite the chaos outside. "We can't stay here forever."
Sakura nodded, her determination rekindled. "Right. But we need to be smart about this. If we're going to get out, we'll have to be careful."
"Agreed," Hinata replied, her mind racing. She thought of the paths ahead, the dangers lurking in the shadows. Together, they would have to navigate the labyrinth of the research facility and find a way back to safety