The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 9;
*Splash*
Sasuke: !!
Suigetsu: Phew, that was close! A direct hit by the Amaterasu... luckily I was able to avoid damage due to my Hydration Technique. Sasuke-Kun, you shouldn't be so hasty, trying to finish this fight already... It has only just begun! We wouldn't want to interrupt on Naruto and Kabuto's fight, now would we? Kehehehe...
Sasuke had jumped away from the blast created from their previous clash, as he had already jumped the gun on Suigetsu and fired up an Amaterasu at him, showing him no mercy for joining up with Kabuto and conspiring behind his back for all these years. The result he had expected from the impact however, did not happen, as Suigetsu slowly solidified and readied himself for round two.
Sasuke: I will see the tongue ripped from your fu*king mouth!
Suigetsu: Oh, my, my, I'm so scared, Sasuke-Kun, *Smirk*. I can understand why you're mad at me, but to what extent! Then show me... show me what you really got...
Suigetsu then reached his sword high in the air as a massive force of chakra began circling around it.
Suigetsu: What powers! After all these years, who would have thought I would be the next one to wield its powers after you, brother... And to think that I would be able to test it against Uchiha Sasuke, of all people!
Suigetsu then pointed the sword at Sasuke as a large beam of razor-sharp chakra went straight at him.
Sasuke: !!
*Crash*
Sasuke: *Pant, pant*
Suigetsu: Susanoo... I should have known better.
Sasuke: Take this!
Suigetsu: Shit!
At the exact moment Suigetsu's attack was about to hit Sasuke, he was able to get up his susanoo to guard, as he immediately answered by firing up an arrow, which headed straight for Suigetsu. But like before, and even with a direct hit, Suigetsu just popped up right beside where he stood when he was hit, as his body slowly solidified again. Shaking his liquefied finger back and forth slowly, he then formed some quick hand seals.
Suigetsu: Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon technique)!
Sasuke: The same old water dragon eh...
Racing at him in a fast motion, Sasuke drew forth his susanoo sword as he sliced at the dragon, splitting it in half as water streamed passed him on both of his sides. Sasuke then followed up as he too performed some quick hand-seals.
Sasuke: Chidori Eisō (Chidori Sharp Spear)!
Suigetsu: Shit!
Suigetsu quickly raised his sword to block Sasuke's attack, but yet again, he wasn't fast enough as the spear struck right through him and into the wall behind him. Sasuke then pressed the palm of his hand together as thousands of small Chidori spears shot out of Suigetsu's body, numbing him completely.
Suigetsu: Ug-h...
Sasuke: That's what you get for being cocky with me-...
Suigetsu: My, oh my, still with the same rush to finish his battles...
Sasuke: !!
Switching his attention to his right, Sasuke suddenly noticed Suigetsu standing there holding his sword with his right hand and resting it on his shoulder, while sipping water from a container with his left hand. Sasuke then looked ahead and discovered that the Suigetsu he had hit was actually just a water clone.
Suigetsu: This seems to be tougher than I thought... At least we'll have a long battle, eh!!
Sasuke: ...
Suigetsu: Looks like I'll have to start using the real powers of this sword then.
Sasuke: Too many people count on us to put an end to this war... I can't let the likes of Kabuto and yourself stand in the way of peace... the peace that Naruto has strived for, for so many years! Even if we were friends for a long time, Suigetsu... I'll have to- as the active Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, do anything in my powers to stop you!
Sasuke's eyes then changed as his eternal mangekyo form slowly appeared on them.
[...]
Nobunaga: It can't be... You're too strong!
Killerbee: Done so soon, when we still have the moon? Waiting for the sun to wake up and this battle has only just begun... I expected more, yeah!
Nobunaga was having trouble keeping up with Killerbee's raw speed as he was bleeding down his right arm, still with his sword in hand as Killerbee was dancing back and forth in front of him.
Killerbee: It can't be helped I guess, you're already a mess. As the Raikage of Kumogakure, it's my duty to protect the people from pain, and still keeping it sane. Everybody is counting on us to deliver, so I will definitely not fail this time! You will go down, no matter what, then I'll be able to help the rest and get rid of this pest!
Nobunaga: *Pant, pant* Not so fast, I'm not done yet! I will find a way to turn this around!
Killerbee: Good! Then I bet you're ready for my next dance... It's called the Seven Swords Dance, yeeeah! Here I come, so better get ready!
Nobunaga: Shiiit!!
Inflicting a direct hit, Nobunaga's katana flew across the room as he landed on his back, spitting up blood. Killerbee then jumped high in the air as Nobunaga managed to roll over just in time, avoiding being impaled by one of Killerbee's swords. Nobunaga then forced himself up as he turned around to face Killerbee again. But before he managed to get a control over the fast paced battle, he saw Killerbee inches from his face.
Killerbee: Bring on the pain, Lariat!
Nobunaga: N-...
[...]
Ryu: Had enough?
Gaara: *Pant, pant*.
Clearly at a disadvantage against Ryu's water techniques, Gaara was practically unable to use his sand to its full potential as he had been beaten down pretty severely. Walking back and forth in front of him, Ryu looked over at Gaara, whom was resting on his knees on the ground, trying to catch his breath. Ryu had an impatient look on his face, as if he was just playing around, waiting for the battle to pick itself up a notch.
Gaara (In thoughts): I can't let this fool beat me... I'm the Kazekage of Sunagakure! People depends on me, Naruto put his trust in me... I can't let everybody down, I won't, not on my watch!
Gaara: The only reason you seem to have the upper-hand is because of my sand being weak to your water techniques... *Pant*, You're actually just a punk.
Ryu: What did you call me?! I thought I would let you catch your breath, but if you really want me to put you out of your misery so soon, then I won't hesitate!
Ryu then charged at Gaara as he was just about to throw a right punch to his face, but to his surprise, Gaara then stood up and grabbed a hold of his hand with his own, inches away from his own face, as he threw a mighty punch to Ryu's left side, sending him flying on his back towards the other side.
Ryu: Ugh!
Crashing hard towards the ground, Ryu then quickly hurried himself up again as he glared intensely over at Gaara.
Ryu: You bastard!
Gaara: Who said I was done?
Ryu: Just you wa-... ?!
Gaara: Sabaku Kyū (The Coffin of Crushing Sand )!
From beneath Ryu's feet, Gaara's sand suddenly shot up as his body slowly began to get covered in sand, revealing only his face.
Ryu: Wh-en...?
Gaara: Doesn't matter, all that matter now is that you're finished... Sabaku Sō-(Imploding Sand Fune-)...
Ryu: Not yet!
Gaara: !!
As Gaara was just about to finish Ryu off, a massive water source erupted from his body, destroying Gaara's sand completely and causing him to lose his grip on Ryu, whom then landed on his feet again.
Gaara: ...
Ryu: My turn!
[...]
Shikamaru: !!
Sakura: It can't be? But how??
Still seated in his meditation position, Shikamaru and the rest suddenly heard a loud noise coming from the cave, as Sakura ran up to the entrance, only to find the first barrier that was blocking the way, crumbling before her. The rest then quickly got up on their feet as they too went over to her by the entrance.
Shikamaru: It's... Gone?!
Sakura: Then someone must have defeated Kabuto?
Choji: Already? That was fast...
Kiba: Hehe, we did send our best fighters after all, as expected.
Shikamaru: Hmm... This looks too good to be true...
Rock Lee: Then what are we waiting for? Let's head down there!
Temari: Hang on for just a second, are we sure that this is not a trap? It was already too dangerous to send Naruto and the rest down there to begin with.
Kankuro: But if they've really defeated Kabuto, we should hurry down there before it's too late! This might only be temporary too as the barrier might appear again. Gaara... Gaara and the rest might be in trouble!
Kurotsuchi: Yes, what are we waiting for? Shikamaru??
Hinata: Shikamaru-Kun?
Jiraiya: Yeah, let's head down there, come on! Let's not waste anymore time, as they might be injured and need medical attention. Time might be crucial!
Neji: ...
Shikamaru: I... We need to report this to HQ, Ino!
Ino: Roger! ... Hmmm...
Jiraiya: Now??
Ino: They've...
Kankuro: Well? Spit it out already.
Ino: They've given us clearance to proceed...
Shikamaru: Right, then let's go!
Racing down the entrance, all of the shinobi whom were stationed outside the cave rushed into it as the sun began to rise over the hill.
[...]
Darui: Can they possibly already have defeated Kabuto so soon?
Onoki: Hmm...
A: It seems that way.
Mifune: Should we send more troops over there as backup, just in case?
Konohamaru: Yes, great idea!
A: Alright... Darui, Konohamaru, Akatsuchi, Shee, Baki-... Kakashi, Gai, how are the two of you holding up? Ready for another round? If so, you seven will take the lead with a squadron of the army to assist the rest. I'll call in Ao to check if Mei, Tsunade and himself are done with their tasks. If so, he can assist you as well.
Konohamaru: Yosh!!
Gai: Yeah, I feel fine...
Kakashi: I think I'll pass on this one... The last battle has taken a heavy toll on me...
Gai: Kakashi??
Kakashi: I'll be fine, you go ahead Gai. Besides, someone qualified need to look after my broth-... the prisoner.
Receiving a smile of confident from Kakashi, Gai then rose up to his feet, as the six shinobi named by A then went out with a smaller squadron of the army to assist the rest.
[...]
Ao: Mei, are you alright?? You look a bit-...
Mei: I'm fine!
Ao: I...
Ao, Tsunade and Mei had been charged with dealing with the dead as they had already retrieved Chojuro's body from where he fell. Mei, still being shocked and quite sad that she had lost one of her closest friends, couldn't do too much out of herself as Ao tried to comfort her, but to no vain.
Mei: That should take care of it, guess our work her is done...
Ao: Right, guess we can report back to the headquarter then.
Tsunade: Indeed, I'll noti-...
Yamanaka Clan Member: Report!
Tsunade: ?!
Ao: Yes?
Yamanaka Clan Member: The headquarter has been informed of the latest news regarding Naruto and the rest. Kabuto seem to be holding up in some cave, guarded by a barrier. Naruto, Killerbee, Sasuke and Gaara were allowed to pass through, while the rest were stationed outside the entrance. Now however, the barrier has been taken down due to some unknown reason, so the allied forces has stormed down the entrance to help our kages. The headquarter has in responds to this, sent out some reinforcement, and they've sent for Ao and squadron 4 to help as well, if given task has been taken care of here.
Tsunade: Hmm...
Ao: Right, I'll notify the others to get ready.
Yamanaka Clan Member: The other squadrons have already set out, but we've been informed on the coordinates, so you should have no problem catching up.
Ao: I'll see to it right away then...
Mei: Anything else?
Yamanaka Clan Member: No, Mizukage-Sama! If everything was under control here, you were to stand guard here until things get settled.
Mei: ...
Tsunade: Seems like a plan... I'm just hoping that they're not underestimate Kabuto...
[...]
Rock Lee: Up ahead!
Sakura: That's...
Killerbee: Oh yeah! The stinger-bee stands victorious yet again, with the speed of an ox, and strength like a bear, it's me, Killerbee, yeeeah!
Omoi: I'm so glad Killerbee-Sama is okay, this means that he was stronger than his foe, which again means th-...
Karui: I knew Killerbee-Sama would be alright!
Shikamaru: It looks like there are several layer of barriers through this hideout...
Sakura: Oh, who is that on the ground??
Killerbee: Oh him? He's dead anyways, so I can't ask him his name, whatever it was... Hmm... But the barrier still stands, though we should have completed the demands...
Shikamaru: What do you mean?
Killerbee: This foe said that the barrier would let three people pass, unlike the previous one who let four people past... He then said that we had to defeat him to bring it down, but the barrier is still here, so I won't be able to get to town...
Sakura: !!
Shikamaru: I understand how this works now!
Killerbee: Oh?
Shikamaru: He said that in order to make the barrier fall, you had to defeat him... but did he specifically state that it was this barrier? As it seems like the previous one collapsed when you defeated him, meaning that there must be several barriers through this hideout, each one with an individual limit on how many may pass it. So in order for this one to be broken down, whatever foe stands in the next room needs to be defeated...
Killerbee: Hmmm... That's a good idea, I'll shake your hand, thinking twice about it, I think I saw some sand...
Sakura: Sand?
Killerbee then turned around as he headed over to the barrier. At the floor, several microscopic corns of sand blew through the barrier.
Kankuro: Gaara...
Sakura: ??
Temari: It must be his sand, meaning that he's in a fight with someone up ahead and whatever happens next, he will have to defeat his foe for this barrier to crumble...
Shikamaru: This might prove a theory I have had for some time now...
Kurotsuchi: What's that?
Shikamaru: The reason Kabuto let Naruto bring three people with him, and the reason that this barrier only let three people in total through... is because there are several rooms up ahead with different barriers, each one programed on letting a smaller number of people through.
Sakura: So you're saying that...
Shikamaru: Yes, in the room up ahead, there's another barrier, and Gaara is fighting someone over there... Naruto and Sasuke must have moved on.
Kankuro: Four people... Four people?! I thought Kabuto only had two accomplishes left after releasing Akashi?? Then there shouldn't be any reason for him to let four people through the first barrier??
Shikamaru: Exactly... There might still be someone left alive among his ranks... Someone who's not an Edo Tensei nor part of the Zetsu army.
Temari: Do you think it might be that Zetsu?
Shikamaru: I'm not sure... Now that Tobi's gone, I can't really picture him cooperating with Kabuto...
Kurotsuchi: Then who?
Jugo: Suigetsu...
Kurotsuchi: What?! But he's been-...
Jugo: I have had this strange feeling ever since I got here. Suigetsu... he always were the suspicious type. With all of the Legendary Swords of the Mist stolen as well, there can't really be any other explanation...
Sakura: Would he really do something like this?! Even after the alliance spared him together with Sasuke and yourself, all those years ago??
Shikamaru: Either way, we're not getting anywhere as long as this barrier is still standing in our way...
Kankuro: I guess we will have to count on the rest then, and hope that they'll be able to come through, just like Killerbee did.
Killerbee: Have no worries, have fate, they're only late...
Hinata: They will make it... Gaara-Kun, Sasuke-Kun and Naruto-Kun... if there is anyone to trust... it's... them.
[...]
Naruto: ?!
Hashirama: Mokuryū (Wood Dragon)!
Tobirama: Suiton: Suishōha (Water Style: Water Shockwave)!
Hiruzen: Doton: Doryūdan (Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bomb)! Katon: Karyūdan (Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bomb)!
Minato: ...
Jiraiya: Sage Mode, activate!
Kushina: ...
Madara: Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku (Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation)...
Orochimaru: Mandara no Jin (Ten Thousand Snakes Wave)...
Even before Naruto managed to wrap his head around what were going down, or to think or react, all of the Edo Tensei had already performed an combined attack as Jiraiya had summoned enough nature chakra to go into Sage Mode, Kushina had summoned her Chakra Chains, while Minato disappeared in a blink of an eye. A massive explosion appeared as Naruto went flying out of the smoke created by it, crashing on his back with burnt marks all over his body.
Kabuto: Ohohoh, keheheh, what a combined force I have in my possession! What powers!!
Naruto: Ugh-...
Kabuto: You seem to be overwhelmed Naruto-Kun, *Smirk*. I guess your new powers were the only thing that protected you from instant death there... oh wait...
Naruto: !!
As Naruto got back up on his feet, he felt a presence behind him as he managed to dodge just in the last second, realizing that his father's and his own dreadful Flying Thunder God technique was used against him. He jumped back from him to gain some distance, but as he did, and while still in mid-air, he felt a massive pain to his back as he was hit with Jiraiya's Rasengan from behind, sending him flying with his face first into the wall on the other side of the room, getting buried behind some rocks.
Kabuto: Oh, that must have hurt, maybe it's going a bit too fast for you? You're no fun after all...
The Edo Tensei then lined up between the barrier and Naruto as they began sprinting towards him. From the rubble of the wall that Naruto smashed into, he slowly got up as small pieces of rocks fell from his shoulders. He lifted his head up as he looked in the incoming Edo Tensei's direction as his eyes looked different. The Rinnegan had the form of the Sage Mode's eyes elapsing over them, as a dark, red, and intense color filled his eyes, as if powered up by the Jubi. Massive chakra erupted from him, sending a huge shockwave towards the Edo Tensei, sending them all flying on their backs. To Naruto's right, Minato suddenly appeared, ready to smash a Rasengan into him, but Naruto noticed even before he appeared as a large Bijou arm stretched out and grabbed a hold of him, and sent him flying into the others who had just got back on their feet, tumbling them over at their backs again.
Kabuto: ... Looks like you're serious now.
Naruto: Kabutooooooooooo!!! I will get you for this, you won't get away this time!!
Even more chakra erupted from Naruto as he disappeared in a blink of the eye, raced past the Edo Tensei, causing them to fly in all direction, and smashed a huge Rasengan into the barrier. Kabuto quickly took a step back as the barrier began cracking all over. Kabuto then quickly performed some hand-seals as a new barrier appeared between them as Naruto broke the other one down by brute force and determination. Naruto raged at this and fired up another huge Rasengan to attack the new barrier as well, but just as he was about to, he was restrained by the combined attacks of the Edo Tensei as he was locked up in Kushina's chakra chains, Hashirama's wood technique and Jiraiya's Swamp of the Underworld, slowly suppressing and sinking him into the ground.
Naruto: Uahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
A massive explosion appeared as the ground around Naruto went in all direction, sending Hashirama and Kushina on their backs. Naruto was gravitating in the air, covered in a rainbow-like chakra, as Kabuto almost began panicking on the other side of the barrier.
Kabuto: Impossible?!
Naruto then turned around as he faced the Edo Tensei. Both Minato, Jiraiya and Hiruzen quickly performed some hand-seals as all of them screamed out.
Hiruzen/Minato/Jiraiya: Kuchiyose No Jutsu (Summoning Technique)!
Responding to this, Naruto then pushed both his arms in front of himself as a massive chakra source began forming in a spiral-shaped form. Naruto then split his arms from each other and stretched them both out as he started rotating around his own axis at a rapid motion, spinning down the floor, sending beam-laser like circus.
Naruto: Rasengan Beam-Circus!
Naruto moved at such a rapid speed that it was impossible to see him, and the power of his attacks were so massive that the walls, the floor and the roof of the room began collapsing, showing glimpse of the barrier protecting it from the outside world. The three Edo Tensei's summons were blasted away in an instance as several of the Edo Tensei were pulverized in the progress.
Kabuto: What strength... So this is the power of the Jubi... The power of the Sage of Six Paths... Amazing...
All of the Edo Tensei slowly began to regenerate as the dark and red color of Naruto's eyes began disappearing as well as the signs of his Sage Mode still being intact, vanished. Naruto was breathing heavily as he came to his senses. He fell to his knees and had to catch himself from crashing to the ground with his hands.
Naruto: *Pa-..nt, Pant, pa-...*
Kabuto: Oh? Seems like you had a moment of no control there. Did the Jubi take over your body just now? You seem exhausted, *Smirk*. Good... Seems like bringing your father and mother, as well as your old sensei back to "life" did reveal an interesting result.
Naruto was struggling to get back on his feet again, as he still was depleted after those consecutive powerful attacks. He managed to stand up as he looked over at Kabuto, still breathing heavily as the eight Edo Tensei finally regenerate back to their full form.
Naruto: *Pant, Huff* I'm Uzumaki Naruto, the 6th Hokage of Konoha! Everyone is counting on me, Gaara, Killerbee, Sasuke... they all stayed behind to fight your companions, just so that I could move on to stop you, and to stop you is exactly what I'm going to do! No matter what, this will end here and now!
With a determined look on his face, Naruto quickly performed some hand-seals as six clones appeared beside him.
Naruto (In thoughts): Looks like my limit has been raised from three to six now...
Kabuto: Shadow Clones eh?
Naruto: Not just any Shadow Clones... These are my special made Sage Clones, more powerful than any other clones in this world. Your former companion Akashi has already underestimated them once!
Kabuto: Then let's see what they can do!
The eight Edo Tensei then leaped ahead, as Naruto and his six clones did the same. The two forces clashed as the inevitable battle continued.
Killerbee already victorious while Sasuke and Naruto's fights have only just begun?! And what about Gaara, will he be able to come out on top as well, even with his disadvantage? Will Kabuto be able to resurrect the Sage of Six Paths? Stay tuned for the next chapters!
Fun Facts and Author's Note:
1: This was one of my shorter chapters, and together with chapter 3 of this sequel, perhaps even the shortest one since my earlier days. I must admit that it felt good to not spent forever on a chapter for once, lol. So I must ask you guys this... Do you prefer my chapters to be at this size or do you enjoy them no matter the length? And be honest
There will probably not be too many chapters with this length in the future, as I got some major battling to portrait in the next five or so chapters, more battle than I've ever written over the course of such a short span, so don't get your hope up if you enjoy them at this size better. To be frank, even if they are shorter, doesn't that necessarily means that I will release chapters faster, as in the end, I would just have to write more of them. All the content, regardless of it being in one big one or three small, will still be shown either way 
2: Don't know if you've noticed this, but at chapter 4 of mine, I had a soundtrack included in the chapter. The soundtrack I choose was not without reason, as the real reason to why I chose Sarutobi's theme (could have chosen anything like Reverse Situation, Strong and Strike, etc) was because it was a hint... or rather, it was foreshadowing Hiruzen's return, together with the other Edo Tensei
3: In case you never paid much interest in the Great Toad Sage's new prophecy, shown in chapter 2 (and shown again in Naruto's flashback on chapter 7), it was actually something that has been undertoning this whole sequel ever since chapter 2, and still in the chapters to come. These two sentences from him has a very high importance to what have happened so far and what to come next; "Great Toad Sage: Hmm... It's unclear, but this man will then meet several people from the past, people he knows... And together move on towards the future." "Great Toad Sage: Meeting those from the past will call upon an important choice by this man. Then..."
Though I won't spoil anything yet
4: Like there was a reference to The Expendables 2 in the last chapter, there is actually a reference to the Spartacus TV Series, or rather, to one of the characters named Crixus, on this chapter
Just to make it clear, when I'm talking about references, I'm hinting towards one of the character's line in my FF, whereas the character speak something taken directly from a movie or a TV Series (which could sound out of character to some). On chapter 8, the reference was made when Sasuke said; "So what's it going to be? A man... or a sheep??" - That was what Jean Vilain said at the end of The Expendables 2 to Barney Ross.
That's really all I have for now, and with this first chapter of 2013 now released, I do hope for a great year for all of us
The Legendary Sage of Konoha;
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
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Sasuke Chronicles;
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 9;
A Kage's Resolve:
*Splash*
Sasuke: !!
Suigetsu: Phew, that was close! A direct hit by the Amaterasu... luckily I was able to avoid damage due to my Hydration Technique. Sasuke-Kun, you shouldn't be so hasty, trying to finish this fight already... It has only just begun! We wouldn't want to interrupt on Naruto and Kabuto's fight, now would we? Kehehehe...
Sasuke had jumped away from the blast created from their previous clash, as he had already jumped the gun on Suigetsu and fired up an Amaterasu at him, showing him no mercy for joining up with Kabuto and conspiring behind his back for all these years. The result he had expected from the impact however, did not happen, as Suigetsu slowly solidified and readied himself for round two.
Sasuke: I will see the tongue ripped from your fu*king mouth!
Suigetsu: Oh, my, my, I'm so scared, Sasuke-Kun, *Smirk*. I can understand why you're mad at me, but to what extent! Then show me... show me what you really got...
Suigetsu then reached his sword high in the air as a massive force of chakra began circling around it.
Suigetsu: What powers! After all these years, who would have thought I would be the next one to wield its powers after you, brother... And to think that I would be able to test it against Uchiha Sasuke, of all people!
Suigetsu then pointed the sword at Sasuke as a large beam of razor-sharp chakra went straight at him.
Sasuke: !!
*Crash*
Sasuke: *Pant, pant*
Suigetsu: Susanoo... I should have known better.
Sasuke: Take this!
Suigetsu: Shit!
At the exact moment Suigetsu's attack was about to hit Sasuke, he was able to get up his susanoo to guard, as he immediately answered by firing up an arrow, which headed straight for Suigetsu. But like before, and even with a direct hit, Suigetsu just popped up right beside where he stood when he was hit, as his body slowly solidified again. Shaking his liquefied finger back and forth slowly, he then formed some quick hand seals.
Suigetsu: Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon technique)!
Sasuke: The same old water dragon eh...
Racing at him in a fast motion, Sasuke drew forth his susanoo sword as he sliced at the dragon, splitting it in half as water streamed passed him on both of his sides. Sasuke then followed up as he too performed some quick hand-seals.
Sasuke: Chidori Eisō (Chidori Sharp Spear)!
Suigetsu: Shit!
Suigetsu quickly raised his sword to block Sasuke's attack, but yet again, he wasn't fast enough as the spear struck right through him and into the wall behind him. Sasuke then pressed the palm of his hand together as thousands of small Chidori spears shot out of Suigetsu's body, numbing him completely.
Suigetsu: Ug-h...
Sasuke: That's what you get for being cocky with me-...
Suigetsu: My, oh my, still with the same rush to finish his battles...
Sasuke: !!
Switching his attention to his right, Sasuke suddenly noticed Suigetsu standing there holding his sword with his right hand and resting it on his shoulder, while sipping water from a container with his left hand. Sasuke then looked ahead and discovered that the Suigetsu he had hit was actually just a water clone.
Suigetsu: This seems to be tougher than I thought... At least we'll have a long battle, eh!!
Sasuke: ...
Suigetsu: Looks like I'll have to start using the real powers of this sword then.
Sasuke: Too many people count on us to put an end to this war... I can't let the likes of Kabuto and yourself stand in the way of peace... the peace that Naruto has strived for, for so many years! Even if we were friends for a long time, Suigetsu... I'll have to- as the active Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, do anything in my powers to stop you!
Sasuke's eyes then changed as his eternal mangekyo form slowly appeared on them.
[...]
Nobunaga: It can't be... You're too strong!
Killerbee: Done so soon, when we still have the moon? Waiting for the sun to wake up and this battle has only just begun... I expected more, yeah!
Nobunaga was having trouble keeping up with Killerbee's raw speed as he was bleeding down his right arm, still with his sword in hand as Killerbee was dancing back and forth in front of him.
Killerbee: It can't be helped I guess, you're already a mess. As the Raikage of Kumogakure, it's my duty to protect the people from pain, and still keeping it sane. Everybody is counting on us to deliver, so I will definitely not fail this time! You will go down, no matter what, then I'll be able to help the rest and get rid of this pest!
Nobunaga: *Pant, pant* Not so fast, I'm not done yet! I will find a way to turn this around!
Killerbee: Good! Then I bet you're ready for my next dance... It's called the Seven Swords Dance, yeeeah! Here I come, so better get ready!
Nobunaga: Shiiit!!
Inflicting a direct hit, Nobunaga's katana flew across the room as he landed on his back, spitting up blood. Killerbee then jumped high in the air as Nobunaga managed to roll over just in time, avoiding being impaled by one of Killerbee's swords. Nobunaga then forced himself up as he turned around to face Killerbee again. But before he managed to get a control over the fast paced battle, he saw Killerbee inches from his face.
Killerbee: Bring on the pain, Lariat!
Nobunaga: N-...
[...]
Ryu: Had enough?
Gaara: *Pant, pant*.
Clearly at a disadvantage against Ryu's water techniques, Gaara was practically unable to use his sand to its full potential as he had been beaten down pretty severely. Walking back and forth in front of him, Ryu looked over at Gaara, whom was resting on his knees on the ground, trying to catch his breath. Ryu had an impatient look on his face, as if he was just playing around, waiting for the battle to pick itself up a notch.
Gaara (In thoughts): I can't let this fool beat me... I'm the Kazekage of Sunagakure! People depends on me, Naruto put his trust in me... I can't let everybody down, I won't, not on my watch!
Gaara: The only reason you seem to have the upper-hand is because of my sand being weak to your water techniques... *Pant*, You're actually just a punk.
Ryu: What did you call me?! I thought I would let you catch your breath, but if you really want me to put you out of your misery so soon, then I won't hesitate!
Ryu then charged at Gaara as he was just about to throw a right punch to his face, but to his surprise, Gaara then stood up and grabbed a hold of his hand with his own, inches away from his own face, as he threw a mighty punch to Ryu's left side, sending him flying on his back towards the other side.
Ryu: Ugh!
Crashing hard towards the ground, Ryu then quickly hurried himself up again as he glared intensely over at Gaara.
Ryu: You bastard!
Gaara: Who said I was done?
Ryu: Just you wa-... ?!
Gaara: Sabaku Kyū (The Coffin of Crushing Sand )!
From beneath Ryu's feet, Gaara's sand suddenly shot up as his body slowly began to get covered in sand, revealing only his face.
Ryu: Wh-en...?
Gaara: Doesn't matter, all that matter now is that you're finished... Sabaku Sō-(Imploding Sand Fune-)...
Ryu: Not yet!
Gaara: !!
As Gaara was just about to finish Ryu off, a massive water source erupted from his body, destroying Gaara's sand completely and causing him to lose his grip on Ryu, whom then landed on his feet again.
Gaara: ...
Ryu: My turn!
[...]
Shikamaru: !!
Sakura: It can't be? But how??
Still seated in his meditation position, Shikamaru and the rest suddenly heard a loud noise coming from the cave, as Sakura ran up to the entrance, only to find the first barrier that was blocking the way, crumbling before her. The rest then quickly got up on their feet as they too went over to her by the entrance.
Shikamaru: It's... Gone?!
Sakura: Then someone must have defeated Kabuto?
Choji: Already? That was fast...
Kiba: Hehe, we did send our best fighters after all, as expected.
Shikamaru: Hmm... This looks too good to be true...
Rock Lee: Then what are we waiting for? Let's head down there!
Temari: Hang on for just a second, are we sure that this is not a trap? It was already too dangerous to send Naruto and the rest down there to begin with.
Kankuro: But if they've really defeated Kabuto, we should hurry down there before it's too late! This might only be temporary too as the barrier might appear again. Gaara... Gaara and the rest might be in trouble!
Kurotsuchi: Yes, what are we waiting for? Shikamaru??
Hinata: Shikamaru-Kun?
Jiraiya: Yeah, let's head down there, come on! Let's not waste anymore time, as they might be injured and need medical attention. Time might be crucial!
Neji: ...
Shikamaru: I... We need to report this to HQ, Ino!
Ino: Roger! ... Hmmm...
Jiraiya: Now??
Ino: They've...
Kankuro: Well? Spit it out already.
Ino: They've given us clearance to proceed...
Shikamaru: Right, then let's go!
Racing down the entrance, all of the shinobi whom were stationed outside the cave rushed into it as the sun began to rise over the hill.
[...]
Darui: Can they possibly already have defeated Kabuto so soon?
Onoki: Hmm...
A: It seems that way.
Mifune: Should we send more troops over there as backup, just in case?
Konohamaru: Yes, great idea!
A: Alright... Darui, Konohamaru, Akatsuchi, Shee, Baki-... Kakashi, Gai, how are the two of you holding up? Ready for another round? If so, you seven will take the lead with a squadron of the army to assist the rest. I'll call in Ao to check if Mei, Tsunade and himself are done with their tasks. If so, he can assist you as well.
Konohamaru: Yosh!!
Gai: Yeah, I feel fine...
Kakashi: I think I'll pass on this one... The last battle has taken a heavy toll on me...
Gai: Kakashi??
Kakashi: I'll be fine, you go ahead Gai. Besides, someone qualified need to look after my broth-... the prisoner.
Receiving a smile of confident from Kakashi, Gai then rose up to his feet, as the six shinobi named by A then went out with a smaller squadron of the army to assist the rest.
[...]
Ao: Mei, are you alright?? You look a bit-...
Mei: I'm fine!
Ao: I...
Ao, Tsunade and Mei had been charged with dealing with the dead as they had already retrieved Chojuro's body from where he fell. Mei, still being shocked and quite sad that she had lost one of her closest friends, couldn't do too much out of herself as Ao tried to comfort her, but to no vain.
Mei: That should take care of it, guess our work her is done...
Ao: Right, guess we can report back to the headquarter then.
Tsunade: Indeed, I'll noti-...
Yamanaka Clan Member: Report!
Tsunade: ?!
Ao: Yes?
Yamanaka Clan Member: The headquarter has been informed of the latest news regarding Naruto and the rest. Kabuto seem to be holding up in some cave, guarded by a barrier. Naruto, Killerbee, Sasuke and Gaara were allowed to pass through, while the rest were stationed outside the entrance. Now however, the barrier has been taken down due to some unknown reason, so the allied forces has stormed down the entrance to help our kages. The headquarter has in responds to this, sent out some reinforcement, and they've sent for Ao and squadron 4 to help as well, if given task has been taken care of here.
Tsunade: Hmm...
Ao: Right, I'll notify the others to get ready.
Yamanaka Clan Member: The other squadrons have already set out, but we've been informed on the coordinates, so you should have no problem catching up.
Ao: I'll see to it right away then...
Mei: Anything else?
Yamanaka Clan Member: No, Mizukage-Sama! If everything was under control here, you were to stand guard here until things get settled.
Mei: ...
Tsunade: Seems like a plan... I'm just hoping that they're not underestimate Kabuto...
[...]
Rock Lee: Up ahead!
Sakura: That's...
Killerbee: Oh yeah! The stinger-bee stands victorious yet again, with the speed of an ox, and strength like a bear, it's me, Killerbee, yeeeah!
Omoi: I'm so glad Killerbee-Sama is okay, this means that he was stronger than his foe, which again means th-...
Karui: I knew Killerbee-Sama would be alright!
Shikamaru: It looks like there are several layer of barriers through this hideout...
Sakura: Oh, who is that on the ground??
Killerbee: Oh him? He's dead anyways, so I can't ask him his name, whatever it was... Hmm... But the barrier still stands, though we should have completed the demands...
Shikamaru: What do you mean?
Killerbee: This foe said that the barrier would let three people pass, unlike the previous one who let four people past... He then said that we had to defeat him to bring it down, but the barrier is still here, so I won't be able to get to town...
Sakura: !!
Shikamaru: I understand how this works now!
Killerbee: Oh?
Shikamaru: He said that in order to make the barrier fall, you had to defeat him... but did he specifically state that it was this barrier? As it seems like the previous one collapsed when you defeated him, meaning that there must be several barriers through this hideout, each one with an individual limit on how many may pass it. So in order for this one to be broken down, whatever foe stands in the next room needs to be defeated...
Killerbee: Hmmm... That's a good idea, I'll shake your hand, thinking twice about it, I think I saw some sand...
Sakura: Sand?
Killerbee then turned around as he headed over to the barrier. At the floor, several microscopic corns of sand blew through the barrier.
Kankuro: Gaara...
Sakura: ??
Temari: It must be his sand, meaning that he's in a fight with someone up ahead and whatever happens next, he will have to defeat his foe for this barrier to crumble...
Shikamaru: This might prove a theory I have had for some time now...
Kurotsuchi: What's that?
Shikamaru: The reason Kabuto let Naruto bring three people with him, and the reason that this barrier only let three people in total through... is because there are several rooms up ahead with different barriers, each one programed on letting a smaller number of people through.
Sakura: So you're saying that...
Shikamaru: Yes, in the room up ahead, there's another barrier, and Gaara is fighting someone over there... Naruto and Sasuke must have moved on.
Kankuro: Four people... Four people?! I thought Kabuto only had two accomplishes left after releasing Akashi?? Then there shouldn't be any reason for him to let four people through the first barrier??
Shikamaru: Exactly... There might still be someone left alive among his ranks... Someone who's not an Edo Tensei nor part of the Zetsu army.
Temari: Do you think it might be that Zetsu?
Shikamaru: I'm not sure... Now that Tobi's gone, I can't really picture him cooperating with Kabuto...
Kurotsuchi: Then who?
Jugo: Suigetsu...
Kurotsuchi: What?! But he's been-...
Jugo: I have had this strange feeling ever since I got here. Suigetsu... he always were the suspicious type. With all of the Legendary Swords of the Mist stolen as well, there can't really be any other explanation...
Sakura: Would he really do something like this?! Even after the alliance spared him together with Sasuke and yourself, all those years ago??
Shikamaru: Either way, we're not getting anywhere as long as this barrier is still standing in our way...
Kankuro: I guess we will have to count on the rest then, and hope that they'll be able to come through, just like Killerbee did.
Killerbee: Have no worries, have fate, they're only late...
Hinata: They will make it... Gaara-Kun, Sasuke-Kun and Naruto-Kun... if there is anyone to trust... it's... them.
[...]
Naruto: ?!
Hashirama: Mokuryū (Wood Dragon)!
Tobirama: Suiton: Suishōha (Water Style: Water Shockwave)!
Hiruzen: Doton: Doryūdan (Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bomb)! Katon: Karyūdan (Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bomb)!
Minato: ...
Jiraiya: Sage Mode, activate!
Kushina: ...
Madara: Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku (Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation)...
Orochimaru: Mandara no Jin (Ten Thousand Snakes Wave)...
Even before Naruto managed to wrap his head around what were going down, or to think or react, all of the Edo Tensei had already performed an combined attack as Jiraiya had summoned enough nature chakra to go into Sage Mode, Kushina had summoned her Chakra Chains, while Minato disappeared in a blink of an eye. A massive explosion appeared as Naruto went flying out of the smoke created by it, crashing on his back with burnt marks all over his body.
Kabuto: Ohohoh, keheheh, what a combined force I have in my possession! What powers!!
Naruto: Ugh-...
Kabuto: You seem to be overwhelmed Naruto-Kun, *Smirk*. I guess your new powers were the only thing that protected you from instant death there... oh wait...
Naruto: !!
As Naruto got back up on his feet, he felt a presence behind him as he managed to dodge just in the last second, realizing that his father's and his own dreadful Flying Thunder God technique was used against him. He jumped back from him to gain some distance, but as he did, and while still in mid-air, he felt a massive pain to his back as he was hit with Jiraiya's Rasengan from behind, sending him flying with his face first into the wall on the other side of the room, getting buried behind some rocks.
Kabuto: Oh, that must have hurt, maybe it's going a bit too fast for you? You're no fun after all...
The Edo Tensei then lined up between the barrier and Naruto as they began sprinting towards him. From the rubble of the wall that Naruto smashed into, he slowly got up as small pieces of rocks fell from his shoulders. He lifted his head up as he looked in the incoming Edo Tensei's direction as his eyes looked different. The Rinnegan had the form of the Sage Mode's eyes elapsing over them, as a dark, red, and intense color filled his eyes, as if powered up by the Jubi. Massive chakra erupted from him, sending a huge shockwave towards the Edo Tensei, sending them all flying on their backs. To Naruto's right, Minato suddenly appeared, ready to smash a Rasengan into him, but Naruto noticed even before he appeared as a large Bijou arm stretched out and grabbed a hold of him, and sent him flying into the others who had just got back on their feet, tumbling them over at their backs again.
Kabuto: ... Looks like you're serious now.
Naruto: Kabutooooooooooo!!! I will get you for this, you won't get away this time!!
Even more chakra erupted from Naruto as he disappeared in a blink of the eye, raced past the Edo Tensei, causing them to fly in all direction, and smashed a huge Rasengan into the barrier. Kabuto quickly took a step back as the barrier began cracking all over. Kabuto then quickly performed some hand-seals as a new barrier appeared between them as Naruto broke the other one down by brute force and determination. Naruto raged at this and fired up another huge Rasengan to attack the new barrier as well, but just as he was about to, he was restrained by the combined attacks of the Edo Tensei as he was locked up in Kushina's chakra chains, Hashirama's wood technique and Jiraiya's Swamp of the Underworld, slowly suppressing and sinking him into the ground.
Naruto: Uahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
A massive explosion appeared as the ground around Naruto went in all direction, sending Hashirama and Kushina on their backs. Naruto was gravitating in the air, covered in a rainbow-like chakra, as Kabuto almost began panicking on the other side of the barrier.
Kabuto: Impossible?!
Naruto then turned around as he faced the Edo Tensei. Both Minato, Jiraiya and Hiruzen quickly performed some hand-seals as all of them screamed out.
Hiruzen/Minato/Jiraiya: Kuchiyose No Jutsu (Summoning Technique)!
Responding to this, Naruto then pushed both his arms in front of himself as a massive chakra source began forming in a spiral-shaped form. Naruto then split his arms from each other and stretched them both out as he started rotating around his own axis at a rapid motion, spinning down the floor, sending beam-laser like circus.
Naruto: Rasengan Beam-Circus!
Naruto moved at such a rapid speed that it was impossible to see him, and the power of his attacks were so massive that the walls, the floor and the roof of the room began collapsing, showing glimpse of the barrier protecting it from the outside world. The three Edo Tensei's summons were blasted away in an instance as several of the Edo Tensei were pulverized in the progress.
Kabuto: What strength... So this is the power of the Jubi... The power of the Sage of Six Paths... Amazing...
All of the Edo Tensei slowly began to regenerate as the dark and red color of Naruto's eyes began disappearing as well as the signs of his Sage Mode still being intact, vanished. Naruto was breathing heavily as he came to his senses. He fell to his knees and had to catch himself from crashing to the ground with his hands.
Naruto: *Pa-..nt, Pant, pa-...*
Kabuto: Oh? Seems like you had a moment of no control there. Did the Jubi take over your body just now? You seem exhausted, *Smirk*. Good... Seems like bringing your father and mother, as well as your old sensei back to "life" did reveal an interesting result.
Naruto was struggling to get back on his feet again, as he still was depleted after those consecutive powerful attacks. He managed to stand up as he looked over at Kabuto, still breathing heavily as the eight Edo Tensei finally regenerate back to their full form.
Naruto: *Pant, Huff* I'm Uzumaki Naruto, the 6th Hokage of Konoha! Everyone is counting on me, Gaara, Killerbee, Sasuke... they all stayed behind to fight your companions, just so that I could move on to stop you, and to stop you is exactly what I'm going to do! No matter what, this will end here and now!
With a determined look on his face, Naruto quickly performed some hand-seals as six clones appeared beside him.
Naruto (In thoughts): Looks like my limit has been raised from three to six now...
Kabuto: Shadow Clones eh?
Naruto: Not just any Shadow Clones... These are my special made Sage Clones, more powerful than any other clones in this world. Your former companion Akashi has already underestimated them once!
Kabuto: Then let's see what they can do!
The eight Edo Tensei then leaped ahead, as Naruto and his six clones did the same. The two forces clashed as the inevitable battle continued.
~ End Chapter 9
Killerbee already victorious while Sasuke and Naruto's fights have only just begun?! And what about Gaara, will he be able to come out on top as well, even with his disadvantage? Will Kabuto be able to resurrect the Sage of Six Paths? Stay tuned for the next chapters!
Fun Facts and Author's Note:
1: This was one of my shorter chapters, and together with chapter 3 of this sequel, perhaps even the shortest one since my earlier days. I must admit that it felt good to not spent forever on a chapter for once, lol. So I must ask you guys this... Do you prefer my chapters to be at this size or do you enjoy them no matter the length? And be honest
2: Don't know if you've noticed this, but at chapter 4 of mine, I had a soundtrack included in the chapter. The soundtrack I choose was not without reason, as the real reason to why I chose Sarutobi's theme (could have chosen anything like Reverse Situation, Strong and Strike, etc) was because it was a hint... or rather, it was foreshadowing Hiruzen's return, together with the other Edo Tensei
3: In case you never paid much interest in the Great Toad Sage's new prophecy, shown in chapter 2 (and shown again in Naruto's flashback on chapter 7), it was actually something that has been undertoning this whole sequel ever since chapter 2, and still in the chapters to come. These two sentences from him has a very high importance to what have happened so far and what to come next; "Great Toad Sage: Hmm... It's unclear, but this man will then meet several people from the past, people he knows... And together move on towards the future." "Great Toad Sage: Meeting those from the past will call upon an important choice by this man. Then..."
Though I won't spoil anything yet
4: Like there was a reference to The Expendables 2 in the last chapter, there is actually a reference to the Spartacus TV Series, or rather, to one of the characters named Crixus, on this chapter
That's really all I have for now, and with this first chapter of 2013 now released, I do hope for a great year for all of us