The Gutsy Heroic Ninja
Chapter 16: Training and conspiracy
"Naruto… your training is to create the rasengan, you have trained a lot, now you have to put the power, control and speed… all together in a sphere shape.
Naruto tried… but the concentration to rotate his chakra plus the added stress of working the concentration necessary to keep the power from being unleashed.
It was hard, but he almost had it… his hand had been burned by the chakra friction, but fortunately the 3 things that he had on him, Avalon, Kyuubi and Medea's curse of self-healing made the injuries negligible.
However something set off his alarm bells in his head
"Oi… Ero-senin… For some reason… I feel something wrong going on" Naruto said.
"Don't worry brat, if it got nothing to do with us, it won't bother us… you keep on training, THAT'S what's important" Jiraiya said "Also because that scary woman might kill me if anything where to happen to you, she is scarier than Tsunade… and I thought that would be impossible" he thought.
Southern district
Tsunade was staring at the duo in front of them… Orochimaru and a young boy, who might been his assistant.
"It's been quite a while, Orochimaru" Tsunade greeted him.
"I been looking all over for you-" Orochimaru said
"What have you got with me now? Better not be trying to waste my time talking about the old days…" Tsunade said, to cut to the chase.
"I have a little favor to ask from you" Orochimaru said… his arms were twitching in pain.
"Erratic heartbeat, his face looks pale and feverish… must have a long period of exhaustion…and those arms"
"Tsunade-sama, I assume you've figured it out" Kabuto said.
"Hey, you can go finding someone else, I quit being a doctor" Tsunade said.
"We can't do that. You see, this wound… no one else can cure it" Kabuto said and then continued. "But you Tsunade-sama, one of the legendary 3 shinobi, and a medical specialist, you alone can cure it"
Orochimaru's arms twitched in pain
"That wound in your arms is no ordinary wounds… what have you done to it?" Tsunade asked.
"heh… just a memento of when I killed the 3rd" Orochimaru said with a smirk.
This shocked Tsunade and Shizune they glared at him
"heh… don't make such scary face like that… something with form is destined to crumble… the same goes for people, you should know this better than anyone else… since… you've lost the 2 of your most beloved" Orochimaru said.
Tsunade was getting more and more irritated with him.
"Ah… those were certainly horrible ways to die" Orochimaru said with a smirk.
Shisune moved as she pulled her sleeves, a contraption with needles she used and fired 5 needles coated in poison towards Orochimaru, however Kabuto managed to intercept them all.
"Orochimaru, you haven't changed", she then put a beautiful smile "You know how I am don't you? Don't kid around with me"
She then punched a stone wall and completely turned it to dust.
"I'll kill you" she said as she glared at him with murderous intent.
"Destructive… and fearsome… she's single, definitely single" Kabuto thought
"I said it once, get out of my sight" Tsunade said
"You are the only one who can cure his arms" Kabuto said. "We are not saying it is going to be a one way bargain… let's make a deal" Kabuto added.
"I'll count to 5… leave… or else" she warned
"Please calm down it won't be a bad barga-"
"5…4"
Kabuto sighed
"3…2…1"
"I can revive your brother and the man you loved with the forbidden seal that I have developed" Orochimaru said, is voice had complete confidence.
There was a slight twitch on her eye.
"You haven't killed us yet… does this mean we have a deal?" Orochimaru asked.
Somewhere else in the northern district
Nauruto and Jiraiya had been going to all the gambling dens looking for her.
Naruto's luck skill got in effect
"Ah! Yes, I recognize that woman! She decided to go somewhere else to win her losses back" the dealer said.
"Well we can't sell you info for free… how about it? Let's gamble, if you win I talk… if you lose you pay 1000 for it" the dealer said.
The dealer put the dice in a cup… pick odds or even, that was the game. He shuffled the dice in the cup and put it down… you had to add the top numbers and see if you have evens or odd.
The result was different… he had picked even… but it came out odds, however before the dealer could see… a blast of wind emanated from Naruto's failed rasengan that he had been trying to control the power and spin for the rasengan. Thanks to Naruto's luck the dice turned and became even.
They went to the other casino to look for her but she had already left, Naruto however never seen a slot machine tried his luck with a single coin he found in the floor.
10 minutes later
"Woot! Gama-chan you look cuter when you are fat!" Naruto said as his frog walled was filled to the brim with cash he had won.
(Naruto's new discovered ability Golden Rule: rank A)
Jiraiya decided to scout using the castle as a vantage point… however.
"uh? Where is the castle?" Naruto asked, where there was supposed to be a castle was a broken one, destroyed recently if the debris and dust would say anything of it.
With Tsunade
"Don't you wish to see them again?" Orochimaru asked.
"If I cure your arms… what will you plan to do?" Tsunade asked.
"I hate to lie to you… so I'll tell you the truth, I am getting what I want... to destroy Konoha" he said with a smirk
Nearby
"You guy's should run away too! A demon beast up there!" the man yelled
"What?" Naruto said, confused about what was going on, many people where fleeing from the direction they were heading to.
"A… hu… huge snake… toppled the castle immediately" he said.
"He's here" Naruto said as he narrowed his eyes.
"WHAT? DESTROY KONOHA!?" Shizune said as she was angry at his mere words.
"and your answer?" Kabuto asked.
"Trace… on"
Kabuto turned around a hail of swords rained down on him and Orochimaru.
They both managed to dodge at the last second, one of them nicked Kabuto in the face.
"To think I would find you two here… it seems last time we were unable to finish our fight… I do hate it when my opponents get away you know" a voice said.
On top of the castle Jiraiya and Naruto looking down at the others bellow.
They jumped down and landed onto the streets bellow.
"This is the one we are looking for?" Naruto asked.
"yeah that's her alright" Jiraiya said.
"Shall we get this fight on… I figure that the seal that the old man hokage did on you should serve as a nice handicap… don't you agree senin of snakes?" Naruto said as he looked at him.
Orochimaru snarled… this brat was dangerous.
"I am yet to pay you back for messing with my seal… that's not a nice thing to do old snake" Naruto said as he traced a weapon.
It was a long sword… however the design was more reminiscing of a scythe.
"Harpe" Naruto said as the weapon was clasped with his hand, he twirled around. A powerful presence emanated from it.
"Since you are a snake… this seems to be appropriate… now, to be clear, is not snakes I hate… I get along with them just fine… is just you… and you alone, that I have a problem with" Naruto said.
"Kabuto... if you'd please" Orochimaru said with a smirk.
Kabuto then summoned a rather large snake, it rose up to the heavens above
Naruto tsked.
The snake then fell to the ground and trashed about as it raised dust to cover their scape.
"kuhuhuhuhu… sorry Naruto-kun it seems I am the one who got away once more" Orochimaru said with a smirk as he vanished from sight.
"he is a slippery one isn't he? At least he lives up to his nickname" Naruto said as he de-traced his weapon.
"We need to talk" Jiraiya said looking at Tsunade and Shizune.
Bar a half an hour walk from their original location
"So… what did the old bastard asked you?" Jiraiya went to the heart of the matter.
Tsunade had drunk more than enough liquor to put an elephant down… Naruto had to admit she could probably out-drink Izkander.
"so, what have you been out looking for me?" Tsunade asked
"To go into the mess of it… the leaf village has asked me to bring you back for you to be the 5th hokage" Jiraiya said.
"so… you mean to tell me she is also one of the senin? So that would make the old snake a previous teammate?" Naruto asked
"Jiraiya… who is the brat?" Tsunade asked.
"That's Uzumaki Naruto" Jiraiya said.
She immediately knew then… this kid… he is a jinchuriki.
"So… what's your answer?" Jiriaya asked.
"Impossible… I decline" Tsunade said at once.
Naruto just looked at them.
Jiraiya went on to explain why she could only be the only candidate for the position.
"If the old woman doesn't want to let's leave… it seems she is to much of a coward to take the mantle" Naruto said.
"Jiraiya, it seems this kid is worse than your previous apprentice… in terms of looks, speech and intelligence…" Tsunade said.
Naruto was getting annoyed by the cheap shots at him.
"Well… it's thought for anyone to be compared to the 4th" Jiraiya said "he was smart and talented, and handsome like me too"
"But even the 4th died quickly" Tsunade said "He gave up his life for his village… life is different from money… it can't be gambled that easily… whoever puts it at risk so easily is a fool"
This was getting more and more irritating.
"My grandfather and the 2nd both focused on bringing peace to our home more than anything else, but in the end they died in the middle of their dreams like losers" She said
"You've changed a lot Tsunade… I don't know what you've been thinking all this time, but you've just said all that's on your mind" Jiraiya said.
"Well… I am already in my 50s, age changes people, it's the same for Sarutobi… no wonder he died… he was too old to live his dreams… being Hokage is a shit… no one but a fool…"
Naruto had leaped up… he had traced over 10 blades on top of Tsunade
"You, saying those things…. Stop before I am unable to control myself any longer" Naruto said as he glared at the woman in front of him.
He looked up… those blades had just materialized out of nowhere… should the kid just proceeded to attack… well she wouldn't get killed… just lightly injured, but still… the sheer speed of this skill… and he had not used any chakra or seals… what did he just do?
"I don't care if you are a woman… talk shit like that about the old man hokage and trampling on the dreams and hopes of people… I will kill you" Naruto said.
"You got balls kid… let's take this outside" Tsunade said with a smirk.
"Uhmm Tsunade… I don't think that's…" Jiraiya begun to say but was cut short.
"I am one of the 3 legendary ninjas I don't even have to get serious fighting this brat" she said with a sigh… one finger is more than enough"
"I am the bone of my sword" Naruto said as he closed his eyes. Jiraiya was a bit worried, while it's true that Tsunade could take on the boy (he himself did so) he would make her work for it. It wasn't his aria, but it put him in a mental state for combat
His body calmed down, the rage was gone… 2 blades appeared on his hands.
He rushed smirked… then snarled and rushed in.
She dodged the first blade and slapped his hand to make him loose the blade.
However Naruto was expecting this, he used the power of her hit to increase his twirling speed and managed to lightly cut her shirt, the blade that was lost reappeared in his hand.
He threw the swords at her, they bussed like saws going in circular motion, she dodged them but then she saw the swords on his hands, those where the same swords he just threw at her, he then threw the new set to her… she was shocked to see the swords going around… they were attracted to each other and repelled when encountering the same blade.
This was an insane attack, anyone other than a talented ANBU or higher would easily fall from this.
But she didn't survive the shinobi wars for nothing.
She managed to escape from the 'prison' she was put in…
"Only one finger uh? Do not take me lightly! I am a person who aspires to become a hero and someone worthy for the seat of Hokage!" Naruto said.
"Because that is my dream" Naruto said.
She then looked down. Remembering his loved ones saying those words… their aspiration to be hokage
"An opening… I wanna use that… to see how far I progressed with it" Naruto thought as he rushed in.
He didn't have enough control over his chakra… so he decided to improvise, but using his od he formed a ball around the wild chakra he had spun on his hand… it was holding so far.
"TAKE THIS RASENGAN!" Naruto yelled at he used both hands to push the orb to Tsunade.
Tsundade quickly snapped out of it… She grabbed his wrists and shoved his hand to the ground… the ball broke and the energy was released, the ground gave in and the jumped away.
"trace on" he said.
A small blade flew out of nowhere, but Tsunade barely managed to dodge it… a small trail of blood came from her face.
She started to shiver uncontrollably.
"I wouldn't even be able to touch you, correct?… how about it… are you going to take me serious now?" Naruto said.
She then disappeared, she was fast and flicked his forehead… he reinforced his hitai-ate before so the strength of her blow was diminished… but it was still monstrous… nowhere near Herakles' strength… but pretty damn close.
"Why do you get all excited about this hero and hokage business? Answer me before you pass out" Tsunade said.
"because… I have people I look up to… they taught me what it means to be strong… and what is needed in this world… someone who is willing to put his heart and life in the line to protect the innocent and the weak… that is why I wish to be a hero… a hokage!" Naruto said as he stood up valiantly.
"Jiraiya! Was it you? Who's teaching him the rasengan?" Tsunade said
"The only people who can use that is the 4th and you" Tsunade said "Teaching this kid the rasengan?"
"Well I am his master" Jiraiya said.
"Teaching this kid something he cannot do, and believing you are his master… it's better if he doesn't think that way… so stupid kids won't joke about foolish dreams like "becoming hokage"" She said with a cruel smirk.
"You think I will let you speak ill of those who put their hearts and lives up for such a dream? Tsunade… you truly are a contemptible woman… do you really want that badly to die… you dog!?" Naruto roared as Gilgamesh's personality leaked trough.
"Trace bullet on!" Naruto snarled all over the place various swords and other rather sharp implements like that appeared all over the place surrounding Tsunade, not a single possible escape route.
"What is this technique… there is no chakra, no seals… they just appeared out of nowhere"
"The people whose sacrifices you spat on… should I show you the pain of those people… the weight, the burden, the sorrow and the madness? I shall make you see the fault of your thoughts" Naruto said channeling Gilgamesh near perfectly. If he were to materialize in the living world, he would have laughed and praised him… somewhat. "The leaf doesn't need someone like you… I will end you here" Naruto said as all the blades begun to shine.
"Oi, Brat… that's overdoing things! That is overkill!" Jiraiya said.
"Oh? End me? You who couldn't do the rasengan? I saw it… you had more than enough trouble doing a makeshift Rasengan" she said haughtily.
However she was afraid, for Jiraiya to say that he was gonna do an overkill… and on her of all people, that was more than a little unsettling… she needed a way to get out of this.
"So… you wanna bet? I will master this technique within the week" Naruto said with his head cool, his eyes sharp and penetrating. Slowly each sword begun to vanish into nothingness.
This was not the looks of a genin…
"Those are some words brat… a man's world should never be taken back" Tsunade said.
"Tech… contemptible woman… don't worry about my word… I shall play your game" Naruto said.
"Is that so… very well then… I will give you that week… if you can master that jutsu, I will acknowledge that you could become the hokage… I'll even give you this necklace" Tsunade said showing the pendant she had on her chest.
Naruto looked at it, it was a really rare mineral, worth a no small fortune.
"However, should you loses… all your money will belong to me" Tsunade said as she juggled Gama-chan, Naruto's wallet, in her hand.
"Tsunade, can we have a drink together? It has been awhile…Shizune, you and Naruto go find a hotel to stay for the night… ok?" Jiraiya said as he smiled to her.
She looked downcast "Ok"
Naruto knew something was up… but he complied, he had nothing he could do at this rate anyways.
The wound by Tsunade's flick was healed promptly.
So Shizune and Naruto left to a hotel.
Jiraiya and Tsunade on a nearby bar
They got their drinks served and begun drinking.
"You've become more beautiful" Jiraiya said
"You haven't changed a bit… its only you that I wouldn't date" Tsunade said
"Like I am interested" Jiraiya said dissipating those thoughts from her. "After all… she is a 50 something year old oba-san" he said in low voice and snickered.
"What was that?" Tsunade said
They drank in silence for a bit.
"Are you worried?" Jiraiya said to break the silence
"About what?" Tsunade asked.
"The brat… he can be really scary" Jiraiya said.
"Not at all" Tsunade said.
"You kinda acted childish yourself back there… but, you just bet on a lossing bet… this kid's luck… is absurdly good, and those people who trained him… are real monsters" Jiraiya said
Tsunade looked down, he was right, she had been childish.
"Hell" she said.
"Why are you so reckless" Jiraiya asked.
"I am not" she denied with a pout.
"Going to meet with him… Orochimaru aren't you?" Jiraiya said with a whimsical smirk.
She froze.
"I could tell from the young girl's face… I don't know what kind of deal he offered but… don't make a hasty decision… there is ONE thing I wish to make clear… the past hokages protected those who lived in the leaf village… they reigned in times of trouble yet allowed to prosperity… that ideal, they bet their lives on that dream, not to mention other people who reigned in others places, or just people who believed in the ideal of peace and salvation, people who shed blood, tears, living in anger and despair, following a path of flawed ideals… yes, they are flawed, but that flawed ideal, it is a beautiful dream found in the minds of all small children… in the end… I don't think I could laugh or dismiss them… you should also be able to understand that sentiment… if you ever do anything to betray the leaf…" Jiraiya said.
He turned around, his eyes no longer playful… is eyes where full of killing intent "I WILL kill YOU" Jiraiya warned "And what I would be able to do, would pale in comparison to what the brat would do…"
"It has nothing to do with me" she said.
"Only a monster would show no emotion knowing people close to them are dead" he said
Tsunade remained stoically silent.
"But you are not like that right? For you do care for the safety of those that live in the village… because that time…" he said
"STOP LECTURING ME ALREADY!" Tsunade yelled.
Jiraiya glanced at her.
"Why did you bring that brat?" Tsunade said.
"Aren't they alike?" Jiraiya said.
Indeed… he was just like her younger brother was.
They even shared the same dream and determination.
On the hotel with Naruto
"I see… so I only have one week… yes Madea-kaasan… I'll make sure she will regret messing with me" Naruto said as he updated the heroes of the happenings… he had to close the link as he sensed someone coming near his room.
A knock on the door, then it opened.
It was Shizune.
"I am sorry for coming so late at night Naruto-kun… there's something I want to talk to you about" Shizune said.
Naruto blinked.
"Look Shizune you are really pretty and all… but isn't it kinda sudden?" Naruto said.
Shizune blinked… then she blushed terribly
"Aiyeeee! I didn't mean it like that… no that would be so wrong in so many levels… I mean I am already too old to marry… aiyee!" she said as she sobbed. She looked rather depressed at the admittance of her age.
"I am sorry… I did you a great disservice, but Shizune-san… you are really beautiful… don't think of yourself any less of yourself, any man would be lucky to have such a devoted and strong woman as a wife" Naruto said as he pulled a chair for her. Shizune blushed.
"It seemed that you had something important to tell me before I joked with you, please sit, I shall go make you some tea" Naruto extended his hand for her.
She blinked and sat down, he had manners.
"I'm sorry for coming so late, but I don't want you to misunderstand Tsunade-sama… also, that necklace…" She said.
"It has a bloody history…correct?" Naruto said.
This shocked Shizune.
"Before, she wasn't like this… she used to have a caring heart that loved the village, but she changed… all because that day" Shizune said.
"That day… go on" Naruto muttered something but asked her to continue.
"Dreams, love and hope… all were lost on that day" Sizune said.
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"and also… about that necklace, is as you suspected… however that necklace is as important to her as her own life… it's not something that should be carelessly beat" She explained
Naruto nodded.
"Also… that necklace… is curse" she said
"That's odd… I didn't see any curse or anything on it… and I am pretty good at component analysis… bar Shirou that is…" Naruto thought
"It doesn't acknowledge anyone but Tsunade… anyone else that has the necklace, that person will…die" Sizune said.
After she explained the story behind the necklace… and Tsunade herself Naruto sighed.
"Seems I can't completely hate that woman…" he said as he opened the door
"Naruto?!" Shizune said.
"I am going to train… you can crash in here… good night" Naruto said as he put on Shirou's clothes on and moved out, slowly… she couldn't help but look at him leave, his broad back, like a true man.
Makeshift training ground outside the village the next day
Naruto was sweating… his hand shivered… it was horribly burned away due to the sheer power he was expelling.
"I am getting there… almost" Naruto said as he tried once more.
"Uhmm… I think the trick lies in your concentration… you use a lot of it to pull a lot of power, but you don't have much left to 'shape' it into the fully formed rasengan" a voice said.
"Ah! Tamamo-nee!" Naruto looked as he saw a projection of her appear.
"Is a little trick I did, due to your little 'passanger' in you" She said with a wink.
"I might have a solution, but you still will need to work hard to master it" Tamamo said.
"oh? What is it?" Naruto asked.
"Use a second kage bunshin to do the control part, while you do the power and spin, break it into simple steps and work em with the clone, that would more than make up for the lack of concentration… and as you progress… your clone's memory will go back to you and it will enhance your knowledge of that part of the jutsu… making it easier to use as you go on!" Tamamo said with a smile.
Naruto pounded his hand "Oh! You are a genious! As expected of you!" he said as he patted her head.
"Uhmmm praise me more, praise me more!" she said with a smile as her tails twitched.
Later that night
Naruto was laying on the ground covered in sweat and his hands stained in blood and burns… but he has a smirk on his face… nearby Tsunade looked at the area… there was a lot of destruction… but… a lot of oval and near spherical craters where formed.
This went on for a week… Shizune used Naruto's room while he stayed all day and night training, sleeping what he could outside.
The day before the 1 week period.
Jiraiya was on the bar once more he was sitting next to Tsunade.
"Tomorrow is the last day of the promised week with Naruto…right? I wonder what happened to him? He hasn't come to his room at all" Jiraiya said.
Tsunade felt a pang of guilt… but she had a mission… even if it meant that forbidden promise… her desire that she so wanted, that she would sell her very soul to the devil.
With a second of Jiraiya drinking she slipped a powerful but slow-acting drug on his drink with him being none the wiser.
The next morning
Naruto had passed out, as much as Avalon, Kyuubi's regeneration and the curse of self-healing would help with wounds, they could not do anything about stamina and phsycological tiredness… Sizune found him passed out.
She was really concerned and helped him to his room… Tsunade gave him a look over, his hands where burnt and a lot of blood was on them.
"By the looks of it… he won't be able to wake up till tomorrow, he was right, it was a childish bet"Tsunade said.
"Tsunade-sama… about tomorrow… please don't go" Sizune begged.
He just keep on looking as if she hadn't heard her.
"WHY WON'T YOU SAY ANYTHING!? TSUNADE-SAMA! ANSWER MY REQUEST!" Shizune yelled
She was like a statue, not caring.
"if… you say you're going…" Sizune said
"What will you do?" Tsunade asked coldly.
"Even at the cost of my life… I will stop you" Sizune declared.
"Shizune… who do you think you are talking to…?" Tsunade said
One move.
Fast… strong.
Sizune was knocked out.
"Hey… I thought I was joking when I said that to you that other time… but you really are quiet assertive aren't you?" Naruto said as he saw Shizune on his bed.
He then noticed something.
"I see…" Naruto then shook her a bit.
"Oi! Shizune-nee… wake up!" Naruto said
"Uh… eh? Naruto-kun?" Sizune said then winced a bit.
"Don't worry… where is she?" Naruto said.
"Follow me!" Shizune said as they got out of the window.
A kunai flew towards Shizune… a white blade flew next to her, deflecting the kunai.
A black sword flew out.
"EH!? Ero-senin!?" Naruto said as he realized who he threw the sword.
Jiraiya gulped as the sword was about to hit his neck when it vanished into tiny particles of light.
"Wait… Shizune!" he said as he panted. He looked ill.
"Jesus… you look like shit" Naruto said.
"I would like to say the same to you… but you look as good as ever… I should as that old hag to do the same for me sometime" Jiraiya said.
"If you ask her like that… she might kill you" Naruto said.
"Drugs?" Naruto asked
"Yeah… she is the only one who could make an odorless, tasteless drug… other than that foxy lady you know" Jiraiya said.
"Uhmm… tell me about it" Naruto said.
"Oi, you … the asshole hiding… come on out" Naruto said as he glared at where Kabuto was hiding in order to kill Shizune.
A bow materialized on his hand.
"My core is twisted in madness" he said as a sword appeared on the bow… then the sword twisted itself like a screw.
"Since the rat won't come out… I will flush him out… Fly, Cadabolg!" Naruto roared.
Kabuto smirked… there was no way he could get him this far away… no jutsu was that far ranged.
*Shunk*
"URG!" Kabuto looked at his side.
His body had been torn and twisted where something hit. He looked behind… a spiral like… screw weapon was behind him.
His eyes went smaller at the pain… this damage, and from a weapon… it was ridiculous… all he heard was a thunderous sound… and then the pain.
He managed to stop the bleeding… he had to leave now… Naruto was far too dangerous...
And that weapon…
Kabuto vanished with a body flicker with great amount of stress on it.
With Orochimaru
Tsunade was meeting with Orochimaru
"I will heal your arms… on the condition you will not touch the Leaf Village" Tsunade said.
"Hehe… all right…" Orochimaru said with a cruel smirk.
As she walked to him she began to remember her younger brother… her lover… their dreams… their deaths.
"Now…" Orochimaru slowly raised his arms with a crazed glee in his face.
Tears trailed down her beautiful face as she walked towards the madman that was once her teammate.
Slowly… Tsunade's hands begun to glow… Orochimaru opened his eyes in sheer joy.
Then something rung on his mind…
A kunai flew down.
Kabuto was panting… tired and bloodied.
"What is this… to come this far… and betray me…" Orochimaru said as he body shivered in rage "TSUNADE!"
"If I did this… if they came back… how wouldn't' those 2 look at me with hatred and contempt? I wanted to hug them… because I truly love them…But… I couldn't" she said as some tears dropped down. "Because of that brat… because I now remember those 2 dreams… I had tried to forget…" Tsunade said. "The dream that those 2 bet their lives on… having those dreams come true was also my wish… all things that have shape eventually decay… you've said that… but…" her eyes contorted in painful tears that stained her beautiful face "only this feeling… will not decay"
"Splendidly said woman… those words are the ones worthy of the one that came from the legendary founders… your lamentation, your perseverance…while the gods choose to ignore you, your cries have reached my ears and with the god Uka-no-mitama as my witness, I say it's too early for you to go to the realm of the dead… my spirit… and my will tampered by heroes of yore will not let me stand idly by at the view of this… prepare yourself!" a voce said
"BURN EVERYTHING TO THE GROUND… RAGNAROK!" Naruto yelled as he threw the heavy weapon towards the duo.
The sword dug itself to the hilt… then flames begun to flow from the ground itself until it erupted. Kabuto and Orochimaru both jumped back, but the wall of flame burned hot and bright.
Naruto appeared down with a single drawn sword… Shizune couldn't make where and how he managed to bring those incredible weapons out of… but she felt relieved that she had great backup.
The sword had a intense feeling… a weight if you will that made her want to kneel down in reverence… It is the crystallization of the prayer named "glory" and everything etched in the hearts of those who are scattered at the sword's radiance; the nostalgic, sorrowful, and hallowed dream of those who were placed on the bloody hell called a battlefield, of all warriors past, present, and future fully exposed to the fear of death and despair, and who still cling to a desire: "to be exalted."
"Your behavior is most unbecoming of one of the three… then again… it is you we are talking about… Orochimaru" Naruto said as he landed on the ground.
His clothing was different. It looked like he had armor, and was wearing a blue outfit underneath it… his armor was silver in color… he had a knightly appearance; his presence was powerful, only drowned by his now invisible sword.
"Oh? Naruto-kun? You don a new outfit… it is rather striking too" Orochimaru said.
"Quiet… I have no time to speak to people like you" Naruto said, channeling Arthuria's personality.
"Well then… Naruto-kun… since Kabuto is a bit winded out after fighting you, I guess… I WILL TAKE MY TURN!" He said as he rushed towards him.
"NAÏVE!" Naruto roared as he slammed Orochimaru in the Kanto Slam region.
This was a move of kenjutsu on the back of the neck to make a person pass out by hitting the nerves around that area.
"Oh… so you are not a novice with that sword of yours… yes… I should expected that… you see.. I also dabble a bit… since I have a sword of my own… shall we get our blades acquainted then?" he said as he raises his head up high… then something moves on his trough… a snake rose from it… and from a snake a sword came out, Orochimaru smiled beatifically at it and caressed it.
Naruto's sight couldn't believe it… that was… a noble phantasm at best… a powerful mystic code at worst… a legendary blade! While nowhere near his reproduced blade it was still a beauty, and the abilities it has…
Low prana/chakra consumption… Rank B++, not bad…. Not bad at all, unfortunately it was an anti-unit weapon… while his…
"Come!" Naruto yelled as Orochimaru rushed in.
Clang clang clang!
Invisible sword vs indestructible sword…
Legend of the east vs legend of the west
"RAHH!" Naruto went blow to blow with Orochimaru using liberal use of Saber's technique.
In other words he reinforced himself and then used Prana Burst to increase his battle power.
"Oh… not bad… Naruto-kun" Orochimaru said as he panted… his hands hurt… he couldn't move them so he had to use a facet of the sword's power… being able to freely manipulate it via thought.
Orochimaru was hard pressed; he wouldn't need to even bat an eye at this brat… but why is there this… this fear creeping up on him?
Why did he fear that unknown blade hidden by the wind?
Why did he feel this oppressive aura… that no matter how much he fights it…
He would lose?
"No… I cannot loose, this is a fluke… this feeling… it cannot come from this brat and what is this image that flows from behind him?" Orochimaru said as he saw an image of a young woman, dressed in a similar outfit as Naruto… her presense, he felt like he was in front of someone really important…
Orochimaru gritted his teeth. This brat… was pushing him beyond what would be acceptable to him.
In other words he should been able to swat him like a bug.
"Kabuto! Do it!" Orochimaru yelled.
Kabuto drew blood from Orochimaru's arm and smeared it across the symbol on his arm.
A giant explosion of smoke occurred a giant snake appeared; it was bigger than the one in the exam, and it was two of them this time.
Naruto glared at the snakes… the looked at him and hissed.
(Ability: Blessing of the Gorgon: a person given a blessing by one of the Gorgon sisters (Medusa) makes all snakes and reptiles aware of his close ties to the goddess of snakes)
The where unsure on what to do… they were told by their summoner to attack him, but their genetic memory and instinct told them it would be horrible thing to do… for something far beyond their power and strength would kill them.
"What are you waiting for… attack the brat!" Orochimaru said as the snake refused to comply.
"SWAMP OF THE UNDERWORLD!" Jiraiya yelled as he used the jutsu.
Due to the drug Tsunade used where still in his system the jutsu was not as big as he had hopped… but it still managed to trap the snakes in it, albeit temporarily.
"Take care of the other brat Naruto… I will take care of an old friend" Jiraiya said as he landed on top of the snakes.
Kabuto just finished healing himself and was worried… he could take the kunoichi Shizune… she was good, but not anywhere near his level, he even managed to sever her tendons on her legs, making her able to stand and promptly delivered a swift kick to her face, Tsunade was in shock, she saw that Shizune was bleeding and not moving, Kabuto was about to touch her but she shook her hand off violently due to her homophobia acting out, Kabuto losing patience started to kick her around.
As Kabuto was about to deliver a more powerful blow to Tsunade's face Natuto appeared the blow directly on his forehead, his eyes narrowed down showing his hate and rage despite his composure on the outside.
"What. Do you think… YOU ARE DOING YOU KNAVE!?" Naruto yelled as he used the wind sheathe of his sword and yelled "STRIKE AIR!".
Naruto's blow was not as effective as he wished, despite his age, Kabuto was a seasoned pro… he was on par with Kakashi so it was no surprise that he was able to redirect most of the power away as he healed himself from the blow's remaining injuries. Still it had hurt him badly, not enough to take him out, but for him to now be cautious.
"Come… FIEND!" Naruto yelled as he positioned his blade to attack or repel anything Kabuto might be able to throw at him.
Kabuto rushed at him… he had to crush his legs in order to stop him from attacking and limiting his mobility… Naruto rushed at him. He did a swing of his sword, Kabuto dodged before the swing in order to be in the safe side, in case he misjudged or the invisible blade he wielded had other properties.
Kabuto smirked as he grabbed Naruto's leg… chakra pulsed… then
*STOMP!*
Kabuto's hand was crushed by the power, weight and sheer force of Naruto's stop and his metal leggings.
(Magic/Chakra resistance C+)
"W… what happened?!" Kabuto thought in shock, his technique should have work… it HAD worked… then why?
"Why is he still walking and running like I did nothing!?" He thought in shock.
Naruto rushed once more as Kabuto pulled a kunai to deflect the invisible blade.
"He is using the wind to hide his blade… thank god he doesn't know how to use it to increase the sharpness of it… otherwise… I am afraid I would be a goner" Kabuto thought as he felt himself sinking due to the sheer power Naruto was putting towards his blade swings.
"It seems my data on him was... severely lacking… whoever trained him I wanna meet them… and then punch them in the face" Kabuto thought as he barely missed dodging the invisible blade… but a slight cut was done on his face.
"tsk, that is troublesome" Kabuto said as he landed again. "Let's see… my chakra scalpel won't work… but I think that's only because I tried to attack the armored sections… there are a few parts that are uncovered… also I can try over-charging the jutsu to break through the defense he has… it would be lessened but all I need is to slow him down a bit to take advantage of his decreased speed" Kabuto tought.
He nodded to himself, he took charge once more, he went for his exposed leg rather than bellow the shin… it worked… Naruto's leg felt numb… he had to use Excalibur to stand up.
"D-damn" Naruto cursed.
"Kuhuhuhu… I have to admit Naruto-kun, you surpassed my expectations, but in the end, you areot quiet there… you are nothing special… if you can still move you should run away, with your exceptional spirit it would be fitting for you to become hokage… but for that you need to be alive… if you wish to become a champion, the best thing to do is to run… it is not coward to run if you think you will die" Kabuto said
Naruto glared at him as he bit his lip
"No no… that won't do… what's with those eyes? That'll get you killed if you die here you'll never attain your dreams or anything else" Kabuto said as he chukled, he was like an older man lecturing a small child.
He moved and kicked Naruto right on the chest… the curse of self-healing was working as well as Avalon and the kyuubi, but he had been so exhausted and wounded from his own practice that they didn't know where to begin, not to mention Kabuto had closed in and started kicking him in the ribs over and over.
Kabuto sighed and stopped "What a waste of time" he said.
"S… stop" Naruto said as he stood up "I… I'm not dead yet" Naruto said as he used Excalibur as a crutch.
"Like I am going to be killed… by the likes of you" He said with a smirk.
"Hey… Tsunade… remember out bet? You better stand by it" Naruto said as he got up. He closed his eyes… his armor vanished into specks of light… it was a beautiful sight. His clothing returned to his original orange jumpsuit.
"Kage bunshin no jutsu!" a single clone popped into existence.
"For my sake… I asked you to stop… so now… DIE!" Kabuto said as he rushed in.
The real Naruto stopped his kunai with his hand… trapping it inside.
"Until I become a hero… and a hokage… I refuse to die" Naruto said with absolute confidence and a resolution of steel.
Kabuto knew he was trapped… specially due to Naruto holding his hand in place with the other one
The clone then begun to move his hands condensing the chakra into Naruto's hand.
Tsunade was in shock.
This boy… this brat.
"RASENGAN!" He yelled as he shoved the spiraling ball of chakra.
Behind him he could see the images of persons hat sent a chill down his back…
"Wh… what is this!?" Kabuto thought as he landed and rolled on the floor… his body hitting hard rough terrain and he hit a huge rock, Naruto didn't release him even then until the rock itself caved in due to the powerful technique.
Naruto smirked but he was tired… using all those techniques, tracing… fighting Orochimaru and Kabuto… it left him tired and drained.
Tsunade was both shocked and in awe, Naruto… this brat, had managed to master the technique, granted it was awkward and still unpolished, but he had done it.
*GUAGH!* Naruto coughed blood and fell to his back
Kabuto rose up… his stomach was almost ripped to shreds.
"You took that attack… you" Tsunade said as he checked up on Naruto.
"Heh… I collected chakra on my abdomen the second before the attack and begun recovering immediately… I am the one who saved Orochimaru'life… it's senseless to try to kill me with that technique… my resilience is overwhelming I have an ability that allows me to activate all my cells and generate new ones to replace damaged ones… this technique looked like it was his last gamble… too ba-" Kabuto said as he stopped in the last word
*GAGT!*
Kabuto spurted blood, his legs where shaking and fell face first to the ground.
"Impossible… even with my chakra… this level of damage… my healing ability… it won't be enough" he thought in pain.
Naruto was coughing… Tsunade looked and checked at him.
His heart muscles have been torn… Kabuto had aimed at his chest at the last second.
"Hah… is too late for you, Naruto… the blood flow to your heart… has been severed, as well as the paths for chakra to move there for healing… I've cut any potential way for you to recover… you will die here" Kabuto said with a smirk.
"SHUT UP!" Tsunade said as she kneeled next to Naruto.
Naruto's breathing was labored.
"Ar… Arthur…ia" Naruto said as he fought against the pain the stay alive.
Tsunade kept at it… then Naruto opened his eyes.
"The bet…" he smirked as he chuckled… "I won it" he said as he held her necklace.
He then collapsed with a smirk on his face.
Tsunade sighed in relief… this was one the shinigami would not take, not on her watch.
"im… Impossible!" Kabuto tought. Tsunade cried silently… she was able to save someone… this kid, wth the dreams of her beloved and of her dear brother…
She gently put on her necklace on him…
Orochimaru was worried… Naruto would be a real pain if Akatsuki managed to capture him… so he decided to end him
He kicked Jiraiya out of the way… he charged as he summoned his sword he went in to stab Naruto with it.
A golden light… Orochimaru's attack was repelled completely as well as himself.
"Wh… what is this?!" Orochimaru yelled.
A golden light bathed Naruto and surrounded him and Tsunade.
Naruto was floating…
"I… won't allow you to kill anyone in my watch!" Naruto roared
"AVALON: THE EVERDISTANT UTOPIA!" Naruto yelled as the sheath exploded and covered everything with light… Kabuto and Orochimaru as well as his summon where thrown away violently.
His summons disappeared due to the sheer power the defensive phantasm exhibited.
Naruto's wounds begun to heal at an accelerated rate… Sizune's wounds as well as Jiraiya's drug induced chakra problem.
Naruto stood up… the invisible sword's wind sheath disappeared… the holy blade was shining like a beacon of hope.
Orochimaru was shivering… he took a step back.
"I…. Orochimaru… I am retreating?! No… this is a fluke… I will… not accept such a thing!" Orochimaru thought in both anger and rage.
Kabuto stood up… both to help Orochimaru and to get himself someone to help him stand.
"Orochimaru-sama… I hate this probably as much as you… but it would be wise to retreat" Kabuto said in between pants, he was badly damaged, and that golden light.
Orochimaru threw a death glare at Kabuto, while he was right… he hated and loathed to hear that he had to retreat from that brat.
Naruto glared at them… and both Orochimaru and Kabuto would swear since then that they could see and sense a many a powerful persons behind Naruto all of them looking at him… making him feel insignificant… like dust.
Orochimaru's face was peeling away "I am disappointed that you couldn't heal my arms… however I have one other option left to revive my arms… I WILL DESTROY THE LEAF! Hehehe…. Till we meet again" they began to sink to the ground.
Kabuto glared at Naruto as they both sunk. They vanished.
All of thm had questions… what was that golden light… why did he call it Avalon: the ever distant Utopia? It sure fit tough, they felt at peace and warm… all wounds healed near instantaneously.
Naruto was exhausted… he was spend of chakra and od… he passed out.
"Jeesh… I am lucky you are so durable… otherwise that woman would kill me" Jiraiya said as he chuckled.
"What do you mean?" Tsunade said
"Ah… it's not important… but I can honestly say that I found someone who scares me even more than you do" Jiraiya said
"I got to say tough… you still suck at gambling" Jiraiya said with a smirk.
The next day
Naruto was eating in spades; he needed to recover all the od, prana and chakra he had used on his fight and traningi.
"now you look like someone fit to be the 5th… but I have a bit of concerns" Naruto said.
"Oh? About?" Jiraiya said with a smirk
"Well… compared to the 3rd and 4th… she's rough, selfish… loose with money" at each word he said Tsunae felt the blows to her pride "easily pissed and a bit… dumb" he said "I worry about the future of the village" Naruto said
Tsunade's eye twitched
"Also… isn't she is her late 50's? She's kinda faking her youth right? Someone like her should be proud of her age" Naruto said.
"LET'S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE!" Tsunade yelled as she got pissed.
Outside.
Jiraiya sighed… Naruto was right… she got her dead to rights.
They clashed. Naruto had the upper hand on speed, however Tsunade used that to her advantage, and with one finger she broke the ground. Naruto jumped up, however Tsunade was waiting for him with a flick she got his head-band off… she was about to flick his forehead as Naruto was in no way able to defend or doge.
She grabbed his chin and gave him a kiss on his forehead.
She smiled tenderly "Become a good man… and a respectable hokage" she said with a motherly smile.
She smiled… that boy… he was a future of the village… and the future looked bright.
"It's a promise" he said with his own smirk.
Chapter end