*With Chapter 2 of this final sequel released, only four chapters and a Short Movie remain of this Series!!*
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy, Chapter 2;
Racing through the tree-tops, the two young and promising Konoha teams were searching for someone with the Scroll of Heaven. They both only needed that Scroll, as Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura's team already had their hands on two Scroll of Earth, while the team of Tadakatsu, Magoichi and Noh had their starting-out Scroll, which also was a Scroll of Earth. Deciding to work together to make it to the next round, the two teams finally encountered their first real threat.
Tadakatsu: Halt!
Stopping his movement, the rest quickly halted as well as Tadakatsu pointed down on the ground by a muddy, poisonous lake, filled with all sorts of beasts and creatures.
Magoichi: What is it?
Tadakatsu: Don't you see it?
Noh: ...
Still hiding among the trees, Tadakatsu pointed at something large in front of them, as the rest quickly realized what he meant.
Sasuke: That's a rather large rhino, isn't it...
Sakura: Amazing!
Naruto: Bah, still no match for me if it so desires.
Tadakatsu: Baffon, why waste time on a Rhino?
Naruto: Hu-... Yeah.
Sasuke: Let's go around.
Sakura: Hang on a minute, someone else is approaching.
From behind the rhino, another team appeared as the rhino ran away.
Magoichi: Who are they?
Sakura: Hush, not so loud, I don't think they've noticed us yet, this might be our chance.
Naruto: They look to be Sand Shinobi...
Tadakatsu: So, what should be our plan then? Charge right in would probably cut it.
Sakura: Just wait, let's not haste ourselves. I'll try to find out what Scroll they have with the Byakugan.
Activating her Byakugan, Sakura zoomed in on the trio as she spotted a Scroll in one of the guy's pockets.
Sasuke: Good thinking.
Sakura: Hmmm...
Tadakatsu: Well?
Sakura: It's definitely the Scroll of Heaven.
Naruto: Well then, time to get into action.
Sasuke: We should plan our move...
Magoichi: Oh, you have a plan then?
Tadakatsu: Let's hear it.
Sasuke: Tadakatsu, I want you to act as a decoy to gain their attention, Magoichi, Noh, I want you two to attack their left flank, and Sakura and Naruto to attack their right flank, as soon Tadakatsu has gained their attention.
Naruto: What about you?
Sasuke: I'll attack from the rear, that way we can grab the Scroll in the chaos of the fight and avoid a serious one, and above all else, avoid wasting any time.
Naruto: I see... Well that's not bad Sasuke.
Tadakatsu: Hah, seems like I've underestimated you, not too shabby.
Noh: Right, let's... move then.
Naruto: Yosh.
Sakura: Tadakatsu, are you ready?
Magoichi: Hah, he better be.
Tadakatsu: Let's go.
As Naruto and Sakura disappeared to the right, Magoichi and Noh disappeared to the left. Sasuke gave Tadakatsu a nod as he leaped out of the trees while he himself went around to the back.
?: Hey Kenshin, get your ass moving already before we become a target.
Kenshin: I am on my way Mugiwara, stop hasting so much.
Mugiwara: Geez... Shingen, are you coming or not?
Shingen: I am on my way, we still need to wait for the other two Sand Shinobi te-...
Tadakatsu: Halt, nobody moves!!!
Sand Shinobi: ?!
Appearing right in front of them as they were about to leave, Tadakatsu took them all by surprise.
Kenshin: Who on earth are you?!
Tadakatsu: Your worst nightmare! Now come, face me!
Mugiwara: You're out here all alone? We welcome such foolishness among the ranks of our enemies.
Shingen: You surely can't expect to win?
Kenshin: I won't even bother to ask what Scroll you have... You're going down regardless! Wind Style: Tree Cutter!
Releasing a strong sharp wind, Kenshin focused his chakra in front of himself as his two teammates followed up.
Shingen: Fire Style: Flamethrower!
Spitting out a large wave of fire, merging together with Kenshin's attack, the two of them sustained it while Mugiwara added the finishing touch.
Mugiwara: Earth Style: Crushing Boulders of Pain.
Instantly breaking the boulders up into tiny sharp pieces of rocks, the hot fire, engulfed by the strong wind, melted the rocks into lava-balls as the attack went straight for Tadakatsu.
Sand Shinobi: Instant melt-away, rocks engulfed by flames technique!
Tadakatsu: Humph, you filthy vermins, what do you think such an attack will do against my might?! I am a warrior of peerless might!
Drawing the two swords holstered on his back, both his arms began to glow as two different types of chakra leaked out of them.
Tadakatsu: My blades thirst for enemy blood! Blazing-shockway, dance of the Heaven and Hell Swords!
Placing the two swords in front of himself, one sword got engulfed in fire while the other got engulfed in strong gusts of wind, as he swung them around in a manner of passion, reflecting and deflecting the melted lava-balls, sending them flying in all directions.
Mugiwara: It has no effect?!
Kenshin: Don't give in, reinforcement is just about to arrive!
Tadakatsu: Arrrrrrrgh!!!!
Shingen: ?!
Leaping towards the three of them while still deflecting their attack, Tadakatsu let out a fierce roar, aiming to cut the three of them down. Before they managed to react, he suddenly disappeared as he reappeared right behind them in an instant, using the backside of his swords as he knocked both Shingen and Mugiwara out cold, before he swung his swords around, aiming to hit Kenshin who barely managed to dodge.
Kenshin: Shit!
Landing just a few feet away, Kenshin tried to draw breath when he suddenly noticed five other Shinobi racing in at him from all sides. Not able to think out a plan, Kenshin simply did the first thing that came to his mind.
Kenshin: I give up!
Naruto: Huh?
Sasuke: Damn, you give up just as we appear... Tadakatsu, you almost dealt with them all by yourself before we managed to pull through with our plan, and, you avoided casualties... I must admit, I'm impressed.
Sakura: Whoa Tadakatsu, you're pretty strong.
Tadakatsu: Heh, what did you guys expect? Now, to grab this one's Scroll.
Pointing his right sword at Kenshin, Tadakatsu didn't even have to ask before Kenshin threw his Scroll of Heaven over to him.
Tadakatsu: Humph, weakling! People like you don't even deserve to be in the Chunin Exam...
Kenshin: ...
Naruto: *Sigh*
Magoichi: Well, I guess that makes one out of two.
Noh: Maybe... Maybe it would be a good idea to... To let Magoichi handle... One of the Scr-...
Tadakatsu: Well?? Speak up Noh!
Noh: Or... Never mind.
Tadakatsu: Huh?
Sasuke: I do expect that you will honor our agreement?
Tadakatsu: Heh! What do you take me for? I may be selfish, but I'm not absent honor... Come, let's go look for the second Scroll of Hea-...
Just as the two teams were about to plan out their next move, three smoke-bombs came flying in as the whole area got covered in smoke.
Kenshin: Well, looks like back-up finally arrived! And these guys, are much stronger than us...
Hurrying over to his two unconscious teammates, Kenshin grabbed a hold onto Mugiwara and Shingen as he jumped away from the scene.
Tadakatsu: What is this trickery?!
Magoichi: Ugh!
Sakura: Magoichi?!
In the chaos that followed, Tadakatsu and the rest covered for their eyes as the smoke settled in, but as they did, a rain of kunai and shuriken flew towards them as Magoichi was hit by three of them in his back. Falling over to the ground, Sakura quickly hurried over to him.
Sasuke: We need to get out of here, now!
Tadakatsu: Right, let's retreat for now.
Leading the way, Sasuke and Sakura quickly followed as Sasuke grabbed Magoichi and lifted him up, wrapping his arm around his own shoulder as the four of them leaped off. What they did not notice though, was that both Naruto and Noh were lost in the smokescreen and left behind.
Tadakatsu: *Pant* That should be long enough... Is everyone alright?
Sasuke: *Pant, Pant* I suppose. Sakura, could you look at Magoichi?
Sakura: I'm on it.
Placing him down by a tree-trunk, Sasuke stepped aside as Sakura turned Magoichi over to check on his wounds.
Magoichi: Ouch, that hurts!
Sakura: Stay still or I won't be able to look at you.
Pulling the three shuriken out, Sakura began to prepare her medical technique.
Tadakatsu: !!
Sasuke: What is it, the enemy?!
Turning around from the tree, Sasuke noticed that Tadakatsu seemed alarmed as he readied a kunai.
Tadakatsu: No... Noh and Naruto, where are they??
Sasuke: What?! I thought they were just behind us?!
Sakura: What's going on?
Getting up to her feet momentarily, she immediately understood what was wrong by looking at their faces.
Sakura: This is bad! Could something have happened to them?!
Magoichi: It can't be, ugh...
Sakura: !! I'll have to treat those wounds, stay still.
Turning her attention back to him, Sakura began treating his wounds as Tadakatsu and Sasuke began planning their next move.
Tadakatsu: Left behind you say...
Sasuke: Either that or they might have been captured in the confusion that followed the smoke-bombs. In either case, we have to go back.
Tadakatsu: You're right, if anything happens to Noh, I'll-...
Sasuke: In that case, I'll go.
Tadakatsu: No way, we both know I'm the strongest of us, I'll go and you'll stay behind-...
Sasuke: That may be so... And therefore, you need to stay here and guard my sister Sakura while she treats Magoichi.
Tadakatsu: !!
Sasuke: Sakura, catch.
Reaching for his inner pocket, Sasuke reached for one of their Scroll of Earth that he was carrying, as he tossed it over to her.
Sakura: Why are you-...
Sasuke: If I go alone, it is best that I'm not having any Scrolls on me, it will be safer her with you... Tadakatsu, if I'm not back in one hour-...
Tadakatsu: I know.
Sasuke: Right, then I'm off.
Leaping off, Sasuke disappeared in the distance between the tall trees.
[...]
Ikari: Oi!!! Ahaha, I remember this part of the story too, and I do remember it quite well, this is where you and Noh-...
Naruto: Is it you, or is it me, that's telling this story??
Ikari: I-... Ehm, please go on.
Naruto: Yes, we were separated from the rest, and I was pushed beyond anything I had faced before.
[...]
Naruto: Noh, watch out!
Noh: ?!
Having just barely managed to get out of the smokescreen and avoided the rain of shuriken and kunai, Naruto and Noh had been separated from the rest and forced to flee in the opposite direction. Having three teams of Sand Shinobi right on their tails, Fireballs, Water Dragons, Piercing Hurricanes, and all sort of attacks were flying after them as countless trees got blasted away. Being caught in the crossfire, Naruto saw no other option than to risk his own life to defend her as he pushed her to the side, getting hit directly by a large wave of water, sending him flying into a nearby cliff.
Naruto: Agh!
Noh: !!
Hurrying over to him, Noh tried to help him up as he landed on the ground with his face first.
Noh: Naruto-Kun, get up-...
Kenshin: Well, well, well, now look at you, pathetic!
Having rapidly followed the two other Sand Shinobi teams, Kenshin placed Mugiwara and Shingen down on the ground as the two of them quickly regained their consciousness.
Mugiwara: What just happened??
Shingen: Damn, did that guy get the better of us?
Kenshin: No matter, we will take this guy out and get our revenge.
Surrounding Naruto and Noh on three sides, they were trapped in a corner as the large cliff behind them was blocking their rear. The three teams consisting of nine members of Sunagakure had decided to work together to hunt down the other teams and eliminate as many opposition as they could.
Ina: So these two were part of the teams that got the better of you guys earlier?? Seems like more people have adapted our strategy of working together then...
Kenshin: The better of us? We were ambushed, and it were you slow asses, that got us in the jam to begin with!
Nina: Tch, tch, tch, you always had your way with excuses, Kenshin. A team full of boys with no woman to guide them, what would you expect I suppose...
Mugiwara: What was that?!
Ada: Nina is right, if it were us, we would easily have been able to take care of it, besides, you guys even lost your Scroll of Heaven... Where does that put you?? You are the only ones of us to lose a Scroll so far.
Shingen: We still have the two Scrolls we need to go on, don't you worry, how many do you guys have?!
Kenshin: We will have the final laugh Ada... Be sure of that.
Apparently more focused on arguing with each other, the two teams, one consisting of only males, while the other of pure females, were almost up in each other faces as Naruto saw this as an opportunity to get away. Getting back up on his feet, Naruto grabbed Noh's hand as they tried to sneak away.
Masamune: Not so fast!
Naruto: !!
Throwing a kunai with an explosion tag stitched to it, Naruto was forced to jump backwards as it exploded, sending the two of them flying towards the cliff again. Not wanting to see Noh hurt, Naruto grabbed a hold onto her as he hit the wall with his back first, taking most of the damage. Surprised to see this, Noh didn't know what to say as Naruto fell to the ground once more.
Naruto: Ugh...!
Mitsuhide: Oh... How many times will he get in harms way to protect her I wonder...
Jun: Hehe, they're probably sweethearts...
Noh: No, we...
Forming up the last team, Jun, Mitsuhide and Masamune were, together with Ada, Nina, Ina, Kenshin, Mugiwara and Shingen, the dreadful nine from Suna that had worked together to eliminated the other Villages one by one.
Mitsuhide: Hey you, what Scroll do you have?
Pointing his finger at Naruto, Mitsuhide seemed to be enjoying himself.
Naruto: That's... none.. of your business!!
Forcing himself back on his feet, Noh seemed worried for him as they were heavily outnumbered.
Jun: Maybe we should just slay them and leave whatever Scroll he has behind, just like we did with those Iwa Shinobi earlier...
Naruto: That were you guys?! Have you no heart?!
Masamune: Well, we did leave one of them behind alive... So, did he make it?
Naruto: Humph...
Nina: So what are you going to do little man? You surely can't defeat us all! And by the looks of it, that poor girl isn't used to taking care off herself either, now is she?
Noh: I...
Naruto: Heh, doesn't matter! I'll deal with you guys nonetheless!
Kenshin: Still pretty bold for being this outnumbered... Well then, guess we'll have to break your spirit before your teammates arrives... And once we've dealt with you, we'll add your Scroll to our collection of twelve so far, bwuahaha!
Naruto: 12 Scrolls?!
Ada: Hopefully, you're not as weak as those Grass Shinobi!
Ina: Hahaha, they were pathetic, trying to ask us which Scroll we had, to avoid fighting!
Naruto (In Thoughts): Them too?? Just how far are these guys willing to go?!
Noh: Naruto, I...
Naruto: It's alright, stay behind me, I'll definitely deal with these thugs, *Smirk*
Positioning himself in front of her, Naruto reached out his arm, signaling her to stay behind him.
Ada: Ahh, poor girl, you're probably used to having a strong man defending you and doing everything as you please...
Noh: That's not true, I...
Ina: And it's your sort that never should become Shinobi to begin with!
Noh: I-... I-...
Nina: What's the matter, lost your tongue? You are a disgrace to our kind, you filthy little slu-...
Naruto: Don't you dare talk to her like that you bastard!
Nina: Oh? Upset that I talk down to your weak little worm of a girlfriend?
Sand Shinobi: Hahaha!
Breaking out in laughter, the nine of them were making Naruto more and more infuriated.
Masamune: Well enough talk! Now we're just stalling the inevitable here...
Mitsuhide: You're right, let's finish this guy off fast and get out of here.
Masamune: And after he's broken down and beaten, maybe we can have some fun with his little girl, Mitsuhide!
Noh: !!
Naruto: ...
Masamune: Now, let's fini-...?!! Gah!
Not taking their bullshit any longer, Naruto drew his Short Sword as he leaped off in a blink of the eye, slitting Masamune's throat in an instant as blood gushed out of him and all over the place.
Sand Shinobi: ?!
Landing lifeless on the ground, Naruto stood over his dead body as he had a determined look on his face. Replying in a cold tone, Naruto was out for blood.
Naruto: ... Who's next?
In response to this, Ada's team jumped down from the trees as they went straight for Naruto. From the ground, Mitsuhide and Jun reacted immediately as well, while Kenshin, Mugiwara and Shingen were taken back by the whole situation. A massive explosion occurred as Naruto got blasted away, his short sword flew through the air and hit the wall as he fell on his back.
Naruto: Ugh... Damn it.
Looking up, he saw that the five of them were charging in at him as he quickly started forming some hand-seals.
Mitsuhide: You bastard, you will die for this!!
Naruto: *Smirk*
Sand Shinobi: !!
Suddenly a cloud of smoke appeared as nine clones of Naruto appeared beside him, each of them readying a kunai.
Jun: That's Kage bunshin no jutsu! Be careful guys!
As the two forces clashed head on, Kenshin turned his attention towards his two teammates.
Kenshin: What are you guys waiting for?! Let's go already!
Mugiwara: Masamune... Masamune, he...
Shingen: I... he... how...
Kenshin: Get your act together!
Slapping the both of them across their faces, they quickly snapped back to reality as Kenshin pointed at Noh.
Kenshin: Now's our chance, let's grab her and get back on that bastard!
Mugiwara: Right!
Kenshin: They will pay for this!
Naruto: Shit, my clones are getting nowhere...
One by one, the Shadow Clones were beaten as Naruto was trapped in a corner once more, facing the five Sand Shinobi by himself. As he readied himself for another attack, Noh suddenly drew his attention towards her.
Noh: Naruto-Kun!
Naruto: Noh?! Leave your hands off her!
Facing towards her, Naruto quickly noticed that Kenshin and his team had grabbed a hold onto her as Kenshin had pressed a kunai towards her throat.
Kenshin: Drop your damn kunai or she get's it!
Noh: Naruto-Kun, don't listen to them!
Mugiwara: Shut up you dumb sl*t!
Slapping her across the face, Mugiwara only added more fuel to Naruto's rage.
Naruto: I said, leave her alon-... Ugh?!
Paying too much attention towards them, Naruto didn't notice Mitsuhide closing in on him as he stabbed a kunai into the right side of his abdomen.
Noh: NARUTO?!?!
Mitsuhide: That should teach you, now die!
Falling to his knees Naruto seemed as if not able to stop Mitsuhide's attack as he aimed for his neck with his kunai.
Noh: Naruto, don't give in!!
Naruto: !!
Quickly slamming his left hand towards Mitsuhide's right arm, Naruto effectively knocked the kunai out of his hand as he followed up with a roundhouse kick, sending him flying into the rest standing behind him as they all fell to their backs.
Naruto: Ugh...
Holding his wound with his right hand, Naruto reached into his pocket with his left as he grabbed the Scroll of Earth that he had.
Naruto: Kenshin, take this!
Kenshin: !!
Mugiwara: Oh, you're giving up so easily?
Shingen: Still, we won't let you two go regardless!
Tossing it over to Kenshin, Naruto saw an opportunity to make him let down his guard, as Kenshin raised his hand up in the air and caught the Scroll with the same hand as he was holding the kunai against Noh's throat with. In an instant, Naruto leaped of as a massive ball of chakra formed in his left hand.
Naruto: And take this! Rasengan!!!
Kenshin: ?!
Hitting him dead on, Naruto sent Kenshin flying through the trees as he disappeared from view. In response to this, Mugiwara and Shingen jumped back to gain some distance as Mitsuhide and the rest had got back on their feet.
Naruto: *Pant, pant, pant*
Noh: Naruto-Kun, you're badly hurt!
Naruto: Heh, this is nothing... I won't let anything happen to you,that's a promise of a lifetime!
Noh: !!
Giving her a smile of confidence, Naruto raised his left thumb in the air as Noh was so taken back, that she couldn't utter a word.
Mitsuhide: This is not over yet!
Jun: You will pay for what you've done!
Nina: You won't be able to keep up for too long now, and when that happens...
Ada: We promise you that you will meet your fitting end!
Ina: And then, we will dance on your freaking corpse!
Naruto: Still, all I hear is talk-... Ugh...
Noh: Naruto-Kun!
Suddenly falling to his knees on the ground, Naruto was bleeding badly as he almost succumbed to his wound. Not being a fatal one, it still took a heavy tool on him as he lost more and more blood by the minute. Still keeping his left hand on Noh's shoulder, she went down to him as she tried to help him up, but to no vain.
Mugiwara: Haha, you're finished already?!
Shingen: Ehm... What happened to Kenshin, did he??
Turning his attention towards the direction Kenshin was blasted in, Shingen seemed a bit puzzled as he scratched his back-head.
Ada: Take this!
Noh: !!
Naruto: ?!
Racing up to him, Ada punched him across the face as she followed up kicking Noh backwards, sending her into the cliff.
Noh: Ouch!
Naruto: Ug-hh... Noh...
Falling to the ground on his stomach, Naruto could barely keep his eyes up as he saw that Noh was injured as she hit the wall.
Ada: And now, you will die!
Raising a kunai, she was just about to strike down at him when Jun came over to her and stopped her.
Jun: Wait Ada...
Ada: Wait?! Why show this one any mercy? The one who killed your teammate?!
Jun: It's not that, *Snickers* Let's not give him the easy way out.
Mitsuhide: Yeah, let's make him suffer!
Walking over to them, Mitsuhide grabbed Naruto by his hair as he pulled him up to his knees, facing him towards the cliff where Noh was struggling to get up, as Ada walked over to her.
Naruto: Ugh...
Ada: Get up you coward!
Noh: Ahh!!
Naruto: Please, just... leave her... alone...
Mitsuhide: What was that?! You're in no position to beg!
Punching him across the face, Mitsuhide dragged him up again by his hair as he positioned himself behind him.
Mitsuhide: Now watch, as we beat your girl senseless.
Slapping her straight across the face, Ada seemed to not hold back anything as Noh fell to the ground. Joining up to her came Nina, Ina and Jun as a vicious exchange of punches, kick, and pulling her by her hair followed. Some yards away stood Mugiwara and Shingen as they watched from a safe distance. Out from the bushes came Kenshin, still alive, but obviously having taken a heavy tool by the Rasengan earlier.
Mugiwara: Kenshin??
Shingen: Oh, so you're alive after all...
Kenshin: Heh, what did you guys think of me?
Mugiwara: Well, you're just in time for the good part...
Kenshin: I see we have things under control now.
Noh: Stop it!
Naruto: Please, please leave her alone!
Still struggling to break free from Mitsuhide's grasp, Naruto was forced to watch as the four females lashed out on Noh.
Ada: Halt!
Jun: What's the matter?
Ada: Well this is interesting.
Temporary halting the beating, Ada grabbed Noh by the hair as she tossed her on the ground in front of Naruto, stepping on her face with her foot.
Naruto: You bastards... Ugh...
Ada: I want to see you beg kid... Beg as your life slips away. Mitsuhide...
Signaling Mitsuhide to bring him forth, Mitsuhide dragged Naruto even closer to the two of them as he forced him to the ground right in front of them, tightening his grasp. Pulling out a kunai, Ada grabbed Noh by her hair and pulled her up to her knees, placing it on her throat as they were just inches away from Naruto and Mitsuhide.
Ada: Now I want to see you beg for her... Beg for her life, and maybe we'll spare it...
Naruto: Ugh, damn you, you stupid-...
Ada: BEG!!!
Forcing her kunai even closer to Noh's throat, a small scratch appeared on her neck as blood began to flow down it.
Ada: Beg or I'll kill her right in front of you!
Noh: Naruto-... Kun...
Naruto: Stop it!!!
Struggling to get free from Mitsuhide's grasp, Naruto was more mad than ever before as Ada was playing with Noh's life right in front of him. As if still refusing to answer, Mitsuhide pressed his left hand towards Naruto's wound as he let out a big groan of pain.
Mitsuhide: She tells you to beg, now do it!! How does it feel to be alive?!! Can you feel it?!!
Naruto: Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!
Noh: Please... I'll do anything... just stop it...
Ada: Anything you say?
Pressing the kunai even closer to her throat, Ada seemed as if she was just about to kill her off.
Ada: Naruto, is it?? Well, do you love her, Naruto??
Naruto: What?!
Ada: I said, do you love her?!?!
Noh: !!
Knowing that she had an intent to kill her, Naruto was left with little choice as Ada raised her kunai some inches away from Noh's throat, before applying speed to a thrust towards it.
Naruto: I do!!! Please, please don't!
Ada: ??
Halting just as the kunai touched her throat again, Ada looked up at Naruto and saw him directly into his eyes.
Ada: What?? I can't hear you...
A ludicrous smile formed on her face as she continued her torment.
Naruto: I love her! Please, don't...
Noh: !!
Ada: Heh, pathetic little boy!
Mitsuhide: Kehehe...
Slowly removing her kunai from Noh's throat, Ada proceeded to lick the blade as some blood had gathered on it from the scratch she made on Noh's throat earlier.
Ada: If you do... Then prove it...
Naruto: I... What do you mean?!
Ada: I don't know... If you truly love her... Kiss her.
Noh: !!
Naruto: ?!
Standing just feet away from them, the rest of the gang began laughing as Mitsuhide pressed Naruto's face closer towards Noh's.
Mitsuhide: You heard her!
Naruto: What kind of sick game is this?!
Ada: ... I mean it. If you don't kiss her now, I'll kill her.
Completely shocked of the situation that was taking place, and at the same time pretty beaten up, both Naruto and Noh did not know what to do as the eight remaining members of the Suna teams were simply playing with their lives.
Ada: I've seen how you look at her, how you're willing to go the extra mile to protect her... Kiss her, like you mean it, or... I'll slit her throat and spill her blood all across your face!
Naruto: ?!
Noh: Naruto-Kun...
Ada: I didn't tell you to talk, did it?!
Placing her kunai on Noh's throat again, Ada pulled her by the hair as she dragged her head backwards.
Ada: Now??
Naruto: I...
Ada: I give you three seconds, or her blood is on your hands...
Noh: Naruto-...
Ada: One!
Naruto: I-...
Mitsuhide: It's just a stupid kiss, now do it! I know you want too!
Tossing Naruto's head forward, Mitsuhide let go off him as he got back up on his feet.
Ada: Kiss her like you mean it, I know you want to...
Still holding Noh by her hair with her left hand and the kunai placed at her throat with her right hand, Ada pulled out her tongue as she licked Noh's right chin with a playful look on her face.
Naruto: Alright, fine I'll do it!
Ada: Two!
Naruto: I said I'll do it!!
Ada: *Smirk*
Giving her some space and removing the kunai from her throat, Ada, while still holding onto her hair, pushed Noh's face forwards as she was just inches away from Naruto.
Noh: Naruto, you don't have to-...
Naruto: I promised I would protect you no matter what, remember? I'll stay true to that!
Noh: ...
Ada: I'm still waiting, don't make me start counting again!
Reaching out for her, their lips met as the rest of the Suna gang began laughing like never before.
Kenshin: Haha, I can't believe he did it!
Ada: Excellent...
Letting go of her, Ada pushed Noh over Naruto as he fell backwards with her on top of him.
Ada: *Sigh*... As much as I would like to let you two lovebirds live, I can't really overlook Masamune's death...
Jun: No way we're letting you get away from this.
Noh: Naruto-Kun, I-...
Naruto: It's okay, let me deal with this.
Gently pushing her aside, Naruto forced himself up as Noh stood up behind him. The rest of the Suna gang quickly gathered in front of them as the inevitable battle were about to continue.
Ada: *Smirk* You can consider that a death wish... Now, you'll both die.
Naruto: *Smirk* What are you talking about, we've only just begun!
Sand Shinobi: ?!
Suddenly, a massive red chakra erupted from Naruto as his stomach wound healed in an instant. His eyes then began transforming as the Rinnegan appeared.
Noh: Naruto-Kun?!
Naruto: It's alright, stay back.
Ada: What's that?!
Mitsuhide: It's not the Sharingan or the Byakugan?!
Ina: I think I've heard about this before...
Nina: Isn't that the Rinnegan?!
Ada: Rinnegan?!
Jun: That is impossible?!
Mugiwara: ...
Shingen: Heh, and he waited this long before utilizing it?
Kenshin: Doesn't matter, he will fall regardless!!
Naruto: I can only activate these eyes after a set of time... Since I showed the Exam Master them before this stage begun, I had to wait a few hours before activating them again... These eyes are a gift, a reflection that I've adapted to... They are a Legacy, given to me by bloodline... They are not really mine, but his eyes... Not gained by birth, but they are his way of looking over the outside world as he no longer can walk here... It's due to his newly developed transfer technique that allows me to use them... Allows me to activate and deactivate them as I please... When he's not using them, he can transfer them over to me, and vice versa. We are connected... We are the same... Our chakra is the same... Something in which connects us to the same destiny...
Mugiwara: What on earth is he blabbering about?!
Shingen: I have no idea...
Kenshin: ...
Ada: Tch, so what?? Let's get him!
In an instant, the eight of them leaped towards Naruto as he signaled Noh to take a few steps back. In his arms formed two massive Rasengan, one red and one blue, and in a flash, a massive explosion occurred.
[...]
Ikari: Hmm... That was weird... So instead of killing you when they had the chance, they stalled and let you get the upper-hand? And did you defeat them all alone? I thought your late brother Sasuke came to help?
Naruto: Like I've said before, I'm getting old... Some parts of this story might be lost forever, but I'm pretty sure it went down like this...
Ikari: Well then, go on.
[...]
Leaping through the trees was Sasuke, who had already passed by the toxic lake where they spotted the Rhino earlier as he had managed to track down Naruto, Noh and the Sand Shinobi's tracks.
Sasuke: Just be safe brother, I'm on my way!
[...]
Tadakatsu: I can't believe this...
Sakura: What's that??
Tadakatsu: How did I lose her?
Sakura: Lose her??
Magoichi: Tadakatsu was always fond of Noh, but he never really found the right moment to tell her... That's why he always seems so protective when it came to her, and that he often says the wrong things in her company...
Sakura: Oh... So he's...
Magoichi: Yeah, pretty much so.
Tadakatsu: ...
Looking up at the skies, Tadakatsu had a worried look on his face.
Sakura: Love, huh... So Magoichi, are you feeling any better?
Magoichi: I feel fine thank you!
Sakura: Still, you should keep resting.
Tadakatsu: I just wonder if they'll be alright... I can't stand all this waiting around, it's not my style...
Looking over at Sakura, whom were wrapping up her medical treatment, Tadakatsu noticed her Scroll of Earth hanging out, as he looked over at Magoichi who immediately understood what he thought, and that he was tempted to take it. However, he slowly shook his head back and forth, as Tadakatsu knew it wouldn't be right of them after all they had been through.
Tadakatsu: It's been about half an hour since Sasuke left... If they don't show up soon, I'll have to go after them.
Sakura: Just give it some time, I'm sure they are alright...
Magoichi: Well, it would be a shame if anything were to happen to Noh now, especially since these two Scrolls don't mean much unless our whole team make it to the-...
Tadakatsu: Idiot! She's fine, you better believe it...
Magoichi: I-...
Giving him a mean look, Magoichi knew not to tempt fate as he shied away from Tadakatsu's view.
[...]
Smoke, ash, and several clouds of dirt were blocking the view in front of them as Naruto was panting heavily. Still standing behind him was Noh, who didn't know what to make out of what she had just witnessed.
Ada: Mitsuhide, Jun! We need to get out of here, now!
Mitsuhide: Right!
Jun: But what about Kenshin, Mugiwara and Shingen?!
Ada: They can fend for themselves, now retreat!
Fleeing in the opposite directing of Naruto and Noh, Ada, Jun and Mitsuhide ran for their lives as the bodies of Nina and Ina laid on the ground in front of Naruto and Noh.
Kenshin: Let's get out of here boys! Live to fight another day, ugh...
Shingen: What about the rest??
Mugiwara: Leave them be... As long as their teams are shattered, they won't be making it to the next round anyways. Kenshin, you still have the Scrolls of Heaven and Earth?
Kenshin: Yes, let's head for the Tower right away!
Leaping away, the three of them disappeared in an instance.
Noh: Naruto-Kun...
Naruto: *Pant, Pant* It's over now... Ugh...
Falling backwards, Noh barely managed to catch him as she fell on her back with Naruto landing in her lap. Looking down on his hands Naruto began to mumble some words...
Naruto: The act of war... Chunin Exam or not, one should never have to kill comrades of the Alliance...
Noh: You were left with little choice... And they had it coming...
Naruto: But still... I've never taken a life before, yet along three... These powers, they aren't even mine to begin with...
Noh: What do you mean?
Naruto: It's a long story, I'll tell you some other time... The only thing I can say is that I'm somehow linked to him... And using these eyes, makes me...
As he was still mumbling about, his Rinnegan deactivated as his wound that had healed previously due to his increase of chakra, had burnt marks all over it. His whole body was burning, and he felt completely out of energy. Brushing her left hand gently through his hair, Noh didn't really know what to say, as not only was she a shy person to begin with, but with everything that had happened, the three dead Sand Shinobi, the thin line between life and death and Naruto's hidden power, she definitely didn't know what to make of things. And yet, there was this one thing lingering in her mind. That kiss... She just couldn't stop thinking about it, his lips meeting hers... It was forced, yes, but it was still...
Naruto: Noh-Hime... What's on your mind?
Noh: !!
Still lying in her lap, Naruto bent his head backward as he looked into her cute brown eyes. Perhaps he hadn't really thought much about the whole thing, about her, but maybe, just maybe, there was some truth to his words that he was forced to speak after all? He had to say it to keep her alive, but... What if?
Noh: I-... What... Do you mean?
Naruto: Noh-Hime... Back then...
Noh: Naruto-Kun, I-...
Knowing instantly what he was referring to, she immediately blushed as she tried to look away. Turning around and getting up on his knees, Naruto grabbed both her hands gently as he looked her into her eyes.
Naruto: Are you...
Noh: *Kremt* I... *Kremt* You... Ahh...
Getting just more and more red, Noh had no place to go. She was trapped in his handsome-looking eyes, starring at her... Maybe she liked him? Was she affected by his heroism? No... Tadakatsu had always protected her, so it couldn't just be... It had to be something else... This feeling...
Naruto: Are you thinking the same thing as I?
Noh: I... What... are you...
Getting a bit nervous, Noh's body acted on her own as she tried to push Naruto backwards, causing him to fall over. However, he was still holding onto her hands as she too was dragged with him, landing on top of him.
Noh: Naruto-Kun!! I-... I-...
Naruto: ...
Looking straight into her eyes, the two of them starred at each other passionately, as they both anticipated what would happen next. Slowly bending her face down closer to him, their lips met again as they started making out intensely. However, before they managed to make out for too long, Naruto felt like he almost could sense someone approaching, as he rolled Noh over and quickly got back on his feet.
Noh: Naruto-Kun, what's-...
Naruto: Someone is headed our way...
Pulling forth a Kunai and placing it in front of himself, Naruto readied himself as a familiar face came rushing out of the trees.
Naruto: Brother?!
Sasuke: Naruto! Noh! So here you are! Are you two alright? I tracked you here, but I also saw some other tracks leading this way as well.
Naruto: It's a long story...
Noh: Is everyone else alright?
Sasuke: Yes, they are awaiting our return. Come, let's head back before someone finds us-...
Naruto: Just hang on a minute, I need to get something...
Sasuke: Get what?
Naruto: You'll see...
Leading them back to the place where the battle took place, Naruto began to unveil the events that went down as he collected his Short Sword and holstered it on his back again. Going over to the three dead bodies of Masamune, Nina and Ina, the three of them came across one Scroll of Heaven. Knowing that Sakura had their last Scroll of Earth safe, after Naruto lost his, and that Tadakatsu had a Scroll of Heaven and a Scroll of Earth over at their place, they finally had the necessary items the needed as they rushed back to the rest. After a short meet and greet, the six of them headed towards the Tower of Death, and on the 4th day of the second stage of the Chunin Exam, they arrived there after passing through numerous traps and fights on their way there. There, the two Konoha teams passed...
A few hours later, they were told that they were the first two teams to make it to the final stage, as none had made it before them. A bit surprised at this, but yet extremely satisfied, Tadakatsu looked over and nodded at Sasuke, as if telling him that the idea of teaming up was the best they could have done. Then, they were informed what teams were still left in the Forrest of Death. After a short briefing, the six of them were told to hang out there while waiting for the remaining teams as they got their hands on some well deserved water and food. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that only one more team had made it through to the final round as the remaining teams had failed the criteria by either losing a teammate, giving up, or the number of scrolls remaining did not match up for any of them to pass.
Tadakatsu: These guys again huh...
Sasuke: Hmm...
Sakura: Well, you didn't seem to have much trouble with them before, Tadakatsu...
Magoichi: Still, they're not to be underestimated...
Noh: ...
Naruto: Those bastards...
Almost as if having to hold himself back, Naruto looked at the three Sand Shinobi entering the scene as one of them looked back at him with a vicious smile on his face.
Kenshin: So, you guys made it huh...
Mugiwara: Where are the rest??
Shingen: Seems like we're the only ones who've made it. Interesting for sure...
It was then, when the intensity between the two sides seemed to be boiling, that the Hokage and his two advisers appeared as they spoke out.
Hiruzen: Welcome, young promising Genins... I must say, I think this is a record low number of Shinobi making it to this stage... Regardless, nine are still better than nothing... As you may know, war is cruel, painful, and filled with sorrow... Even though we're at an Alliance, we still have to prepare our next generation in case of future outbreaks.
Mito: Although it may seem harsh, the Chunin Exam is, and will always be a test of true strength, courage, teamwork and leader abilities... Death is part of life, and what happens in the Chunin Exam is part of it. Death can't always be avoided, and thus, some of you may have experience something you wish you would have been able to avoid. The rules and the risks of the Chunin Exam are clear to everyone... So is the Code of Shinobi.
Minato: Now, you've reached the final stage, the 3rd stage of the Chunin Exam. Here, you will no longer work as a team, but your individual abilities will be measured. However, before we get there, we have to have a preliminary round.
As they went on, Naruto questioned what his father meant by his words.
Naruto: Preliminary, what's that?
Sakura: It means that before we get to the Quarter-Final Stage, we will have to have some preliminary rounds...
Sasuke: Just pay attention.
Tadakatsu: This should be interesting...
Having his arms crossed together, Tadakatsu seemed as if gloaming of confidence, as Magoichi was a bit more puzzled beside him. Noh however, could simply not take her eyes of Naruto, as he noticed and turned his head towards her, only to see her panic and face her head forward again.
Minato: This means that we will have to eliminated someone before we get to the actual final stage... As it is now, you are nine, but we only need eight. This means that only one preliminary fight has to be fought, and that only one Shinobi... Needs to be eliminated. And thus, we'll be doing a lucky draw.
Standing beside the three of them was the Exam Master from before, as she then stepped forward and spoke out.
Exam Master: Now, if you all may turn your attention towards the board, as the ones battling will shortly be announced.
Looking up at the board, the names of the nine Shinobi were randomly jumping back and forth until it finally landed on two names.
Naruto: ?!
Sakura: !!
Sasuke: ...
Tadakatsu: Hah!
Mugiwara: Really now...
Shingen: You can do this, no problem Mugiwara!
Kenshin: Give it your all... I wish to fight you later on.
Magoichi: So you two are to face each other then...
Noh: Sasuke-Kun...
Tadakatsu: Don't you dare lose this battle Sasuke... If anyone should beat you, it's me!
Sasuke: Don't you worry Tadakatsu...
As the nine of them walked up to the second floor of the arena, Sasuke did some final preparations and pep talk with his teammates, as did Mugiwara with his, before Sasuke went on.
Sasuke: Well then, let's get on with it!
Leaping down from the upper floor, Sasuke landed on the ground as Mugiwara appeared in front of him. The Exam Master then stepped forward as she began explaining the rules. Both nodding accordingly and shaking hands with each other, she then signaled the fight to begin.
Exam Master: Alright then, you may begin!
Sasuke: Watch me father, as I will make you proud!
Looking over at Minato, Hiruzen and Mito, who were standing on the ground a little further away from them, Sasuke activated his Sharingan as the fight was just about to begin.
* Will Sasuke be able to overcome Mugiwara and proceed to the Quarter-Finals? And how will the others fare once we get there? Find out, Next Time! *
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fun Facts & Author's Note:
1: I don't know why, but at this point I do believe Tadakatsu was and still is my favorite character in this entire sequel xP There's just something about his badass attitude and powers to back it up with that I can't really put my finger on. I just loved every time I wrote his dialogue, as I knew they had to be full of confidence.
2: What's Naruto the 2nd talking about, and how is he linked to Naruto himself with the Rinnegan? This whole ordeal was something I made up as I wrote the two first chapters, and due to this, I had to do some collaboration on it in the chapters to come. It might not be clear how the whole thing works yet, but you will be "enlighten" in the chapters to come.
3: I think... No, this is definitely the first time I've played around with 1st person narrative in the whole Series of TLSoK... I don't know how I ended up writing some of the narrative in first person, though I guess you could say that it just happened and that it from my perspective was fitting there and then, haha.
4: In my opinion, this chapter was pretty dark... For some reason I was inspired after watching the Hunger Games not too long ago, as well as re-watching some episodes of Lost, where a similar event happened, so I tried to give it a touch of something new. The whole thing that went down with Naruto, Noh, Ada, Mitsuhide and the rest, was pretty hard to write actually as I didn't know how dark it actually seemed and if I was taking it too far or not. It definitely added a touch of life and death, with a twist of how sick the human mind can be I suppose, haha. Though it did its purpose of setting up Naruto the 2nd and Noh, so I think I'll be able to "get away" with it so to speak in the long run, lol.
5: Originally I had planned that it was Naruto that was picked for the preliminary match, and not Sasuke, but due to how this chapter turned out and how both Tadakatsu and Naruto managed to show of some of their power/skills in it, I figured I had to showcase Sasuke instead. How that turns out, you will see next chapter
6: That's all I have for this chapter, thank me thumbs up if you enjoyed it, leave a comment and don't be afraid to ask me anything if you have something on your heart xD, and as always people, have an awesome day ;D
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha;
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
--->
--->
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
--->
[14]
[15]
--->
--->
[18]
[19]
[20]
--->
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[29]
[30]
[31]
[32]
[33]
[34]
[35]
[36]
[37]
[38]
[39]
[40]
[41]
[42]
[43]
[44]
[45]
[46]
[47]
[48]
[49]
[50]
[51]
The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy;
[52]
[1]
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[2]
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[3]
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[4]
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[5]
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[6]
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--->
Sasuke Chronicles;
[7]
[7]
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--->
[8]
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[9]
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[10]
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[11]
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[12]
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[13]
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--->
Kakashi Chronicles;
[14]
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[15]
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--->
[16]
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--->
[17]
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[18]
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[19]
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[20]
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--->
[21]
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
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[23]
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[24]
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[25]
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[26]
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[27]
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[28]
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[29]
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[30]
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[31]
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[32]
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[33]
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[34]
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[35]
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[36]
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[37]
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[38]
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[39]
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[40]
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[41]
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[42]
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[43]
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[44]
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[45]
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[46]
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[47]
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[48]
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[49]
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[51]
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy;
[52]
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy, Chapter 2;
Onwards to the Finals:
Racing through the tree-tops, the two young and promising Konoha teams were searching for someone with the Scroll of Heaven. They both only needed that Scroll, as Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura's team already had their hands on two Scroll of Earth, while the team of Tadakatsu, Magoichi and Noh had their starting-out Scroll, which also was a Scroll of Earth. Deciding to work together to make it to the next round, the two teams finally encountered their first real threat.
Tadakatsu: Halt!
Stopping his movement, the rest quickly halted as well as Tadakatsu pointed down on the ground by a muddy, poisonous lake, filled with all sorts of beasts and creatures.
Magoichi: What is it?
Tadakatsu: Don't you see it?
Noh: ...
Still hiding among the trees, Tadakatsu pointed at something large in front of them, as the rest quickly realized what he meant.
Sasuke: That's a rather large rhino, isn't it...
Sakura: Amazing!
Naruto: Bah, still no match for me if it so desires.
Tadakatsu: Baffon, why waste time on a Rhino?
Naruto: Hu-... Yeah.
Sasuke: Let's go around.
Sakura: Hang on a minute, someone else is approaching.
From behind the rhino, another team appeared as the rhino ran away.
Magoichi: Who are they?
Sakura: Hush, not so loud, I don't think they've noticed us yet, this might be our chance.
Naruto: They look to be Sand Shinobi...
Tadakatsu: So, what should be our plan then? Charge right in would probably cut it.
Sakura: Just wait, let's not haste ourselves. I'll try to find out what Scroll they have with the Byakugan.
Activating her Byakugan, Sakura zoomed in on the trio as she spotted a Scroll in one of the guy's pockets.
Sasuke: Good thinking.
Sakura: Hmmm...
Tadakatsu: Well?
Sakura: It's definitely the Scroll of Heaven.
Naruto: Well then, time to get into action.
Sasuke: We should plan our move...
Magoichi: Oh, you have a plan then?
Tadakatsu: Let's hear it.
Sasuke: Tadakatsu, I want you to act as a decoy to gain their attention, Magoichi, Noh, I want you two to attack their left flank, and Sakura and Naruto to attack their right flank, as soon Tadakatsu has gained their attention.
Naruto: What about you?
Sasuke: I'll attack from the rear, that way we can grab the Scroll in the chaos of the fight and avoid a serious one, and above all else, avoid wasting any time.
Naruto: I see... Well that's not bad Sasuke.
Tadakatsu: Hah, seems like I've underestimated you, not too shabby.
Noh: Right, let's... move then.
Naruto: Yosh.
Sakura: Tadakatsu, are you ready?
Magoichi: Hah, he better be.
Tadakatsu: Let's go.
As Naruto and Sakura disappeared to the right, Magoichi and Noh disappeared to the left. Sasuke gave Tadakatsu a nod as he leaped out of the trees while he himself went around to the back.
?: Hey Kenshin, get your ass moving already before we become a target.
Kenshin: I am on my way Mugiwara, stop hasting so much.
Mugiwara: Geez... Shingen, are you coming or not?
Shingen: I am on my way, we still need to wait for the other two Sand Shinobi te-...
Tadakatsu: Halt, nobody moves!!!
Sand Shinobi: ?!
Appearing right in front of them as they were about to leave, Tadakatsu took them all by surprise.
Kenshin: Who on earth are you?!
Tadakatsu: Your worst nightmare! Now come, face me!
Mugiwara: You're out here all alone? We welcome such foolishness among the ranks of our enemies.
Shingen: You surely can't expect to win?
Kenshin: I won't even bother to ask what Scroll you have... You're going down regardless! Wind Style: Tree Cutter!
Releasing a strong sharp wind, Kenshin focused his chakra in front of himself as his two teammates followed up.
Shingen: Fire Style: Flamethrower!
Spitting out a large wave of fire, merging together with Kenshin's attack, the two of them sustained it while Mugiwara added the finishing touch.
Mugiwara: Earth Style: Crushing Boulders of Pain.
Instantly breaking the boulders up into tiny sharp pieces of rocks, the hot fire, engulfed by the strong wind, melted the rocks into lava-balls as the attack went straight for Tadakatsu.
Sand Shinobi: Instant melt-away, rocks engulfed by flames technique!
Tadakatsu: Humph, you filthy vermins, what do you think such an attack will do against my might?! I am a warrior of peerless might!
Drawing the two swords holstered on his back, both his arms began to glow as two different types of chakra leaked out of them.
Tadakatsu: My blades thirst for enemy blood! Blazing-shockway, dance of the Heaven and Hell Swords!
Placing the two swords in front of himself, one sword got engulfed in fire while the other got engulfed in strong gusts of wind, as he swung them around in a manner of passion, reflecting and deflecting the melted lava-balls, sending them flying in all directions.
Mugiwara: It has no effect?!
Kenshin: Don't give in, reinforcement is just about to arrive!
Tadakatsu: Arrrrrrrgh!!!!
Shingen: ?!
Leaping towards the three of them while still deflecting their attack, Tadakatsu let out a fierce roar, aiming to cut the three of them down. Before they managed to react, he suddenly disappeared as he reappeared right behind them in an instant, using the backside of his swords as he knocked both Shingen and Mugiwara out cold, before he swung his swords around, aiming to hit Kenshin who barely managed to dodge.
Kenshin: Shit!
Landing just a few feet away, Kenshin tried to draw breath when he suddenly noticed five other Shinobi racing in at him from all sides. Not able to think out a plan, Kenshin simply did the first thing that came to his mind.
Kenshin: I give up!
Naruto: Huh?
Sasuke: Damn, you give up just as we appear... Tadakatsu, you almost dealt with them all by yourself before we managed to pull through with our plan, and, you avoided casualties... I must admit, I'm impressed.
Sakura: Whoa Tadakatsu, you're pretty strong.
Tadakatsu: Heh, what did you guys expect? Now, to grab this one's Scroll.
Pointing his right sword at Kenshin, Tadakatsu didn't even have to ask before Kenshin threw his Scroll of Heaven over to him.
Tadakatsu: Humph, weakling! People like you don't even deserve to be in the Chunin Exam...
Kenshin: ...
Naruto: *Sigh*
Magoichi: Well, I guess that makes one out of two.
Noh: Maybe... Maybe it would be a good idea to... To let Magoichi handle... One of the Scr-...
Tadakatsu: Well?? Speak up Noh!
Noh: Or... Never mind.
Tadakatsu: Huh?
Sasuke: I do expect that you will honor our agreement?
Tadakatsu: Heh! What do you take me for? I may be selfish, but I'm not absent honor... Come, let's go look for the second Scroll of Hea-...
Just as the two teams were about to plan out their next move, three smoke-bombs came flying in as the whole area got covered in smoke.
Kenshin: Well, looks like back-up finally arrived! And these guys, are much stronger than us...
Hurrying over to his two unconscious teammates, Kenshin grabbed a hold onto Mugiwara and Shingen as he jumped away from the scene.
Tadakatsu: What is this trickery?!
Magoichi: Ugh!
Sakura: Magoichi?!
In the chaos that followed, Tadakatsu and the rest covered for their eyes as the smoke settled in, but as they did, a rain of kunai and shuriken flew towards them as Magoichi was hit by three of them in his back. Falling over to the ground, Sakura quickly hurried over to him.
Sasuke: We need to get out of here, now!
Tadakatsu: Right, let's retreat for now.
Leading the way, Sasuke and Sakura quickly followed as Sasuke grabbed Magoichi and lifted him up, wrapping his arm around his own shoulder as the four of them leaped off. What they did not notice though, was that both Naruto and Noh were lost in the smokescreen and left behind.
Tadakatsu: *Pant* That should be long enough... Is everyone alright?
Sasuke: *Pant, Pant* I suppose. Sakura, could you look at Magoichi?
Sakura: I'm on it.
Placing him down by a tree-trunk, Sasuke stepped aside as Sakura turned Magoichi over to check on his wounds.
Magoichi: Ouch, that hurts!
Sakura: Stay still or I won't be able to look at you.
Pulling the three shuriken out, Sakura began to prepare her medical technique.
Tadakatsu: !!
Sasuke: What is it, the enemy?!
Turning around from the tree, Sasuke noticed that Tadakatsu seemed alarmed as he readied a kunai.
Tadakatsu: No... Noh and Naruto, where are they??
Sasuke: What?! I thought they were just behind us?!
Sakura: What's going on?
Getting up to her feet momentarily, she immediately understood what was wrong by looking at their faces.
Sakura: This is bad! Could something have happened to them?!
Magoichi: It can't be, ugh...
Sakura: !! I'll have to treat those wounds, stay still.
Turning her attention back to him, Sakura began treating his wounds as Tadakatsu and Sasuke began planning their next move.
Tadakatsu: Left behind you say...
Sasuke: Either that or they might have been captured in the confusion that followed the smoke-bombs. In either case, we have to go back.
Tadakatsu: You're right, if anything happens to Noh, I'll-...
Sasuke: In that case, I'll go.
Tadakatsu: No way, we both know I'm the strongest of us, I'll go and you'll stay behind-...
Sasuke: That may be so... And therefore, you need to stay here and guard my sister Sakura while she treats Magoichi.
Tadakatsu: !!
Sasuke: Sakura, catch.
Reaching for his inner pocket, Sasuke reached for one of their Scroll of Earth that he was carrying, as he tossed it over to her.
Sakura: Why are you-...
Sasuke: If I go alone, it is best that I'm not having any Scrolls on me, it will be safer her with you... Tadakatsu, if I'm not back in one hour-...
Tadakatsu: I know.
Sasuke: Right, then I'm off.
Leaping off, Sasuke disappeared in the distance between the tall trees.
[...]
Ikari: Oi!!! Ahaha, I remember this part of the story too, and I do remember it quite well, this is where you and Noh-...
Naruto: Is it you, or is it me, that's telling this story??
Ikari: I-... Ehm, please go on.
Naruto: Yes, we were separated from the rest, and I was pushed beyond anything I had faced before.
[...]
Naruto: Noh, watch out!
Noh: ?!
Having just barely managed to get out of the smokescreen and avoided the rain of shuriken and kunai, Naruto and Noh had been separated from the rest and forced to flee in the opposite direction. Having three teams of Sand Shinobi right on their tails, Fireballs, Water Dragons, Piercing Hurricanes, and all sort of attacks were flying after them as countless trees got blasted away. Being caught in the crossfire, Naruto saw no other option than to risk his own life to defend her as he pushed her to the side, getting hit directly by a large wave of water, sending him flying into a nearby cliff.
Naruto: Agh!
Noh: !!
Hurrying over to him, Noh tried to help him up as he landed on the ground with his face first.
Noh: Naruto-Kun, get up-...
Kenshin: Well, well, well, now look at you, pathetic!
Having rapidly followed the two other Sand Shinobi teams, Kenshin placed Mugiwara and Shingen down on the ground as the two of them quickly regained their consciousness.
Mugiwara: What just happened??
Shingen: Damn, did that guy get the better of us?
Kenshin: No matter, we will take this guy out and get our revenge.
Surrounding Naruto and Noh on three sides, they were trapped in a corner as the large cliff behind them was blocking their rear. The three teams consisting of nine members of Sunagakure had decided to work together to hunt down the other teams and eliminate as many opposition as they could.
Ina: So these two were part of the teams that got the better of you guys earlier?? Seems like more people have adapted our strategy of working together then...
Kenshin: The better of us? We were ambushed, and it were you slow asses, that got us in the jam to begin with!
Nina: Tch, tch, tch, you always had your way with excuses, Kenshin. A team full of boys with no woman to guide them, what would you expect I suppose...
Mugiwara: What was that?!
Ada: Nina is right, if it were us, we would easily have been able to take care of it, besides, you guys even lost your Scroll of Heaven... Where does that put you?? You are the only ones of us to lose a Scroll so far.
Shingen: We still have the two Scrolls we need to go on, don't you worry, how many do you guys have?!
Kenshin: We will have the final laugh Ada... Be sure of that.
Apparently more focused on arguing with each other, the two teams, one consisting of only males, while the other of pure females, were almost up in each other faces as Naruto saw this as an opportunity to get away. Getting back up on his feet, Naruto grabbed Noh's hand as they tried to sneak away.
Masamune: Not so fast!
Naruto: !!
Throwing a kunai with an explosion tag stitched to it, Naruto was forced to jump backwards as it exploded, sending the two of them flying towards the cliff again. Not wanting to see Noh hurt, Naruto grabbed a hold onto her as he hit the wall with his back first, taking most of the damage. Surprised to see this, Noh didn't know what to say as Naruto fell to the ground once more.
Naruto: Ugh...!
Mitsuhide: Oh... How many times will he get in harms way to protect her I wonder...
Jun: Hehe, they're probably sweethearts...
Noh: No, we...
Forming up the last team, Jun, Mitsuhide and Masamune were, together with Ada, Nina, Ina, Kenshin, Mugiwara and Shingen, the dreadful nine from Suna that had worked together to eliminated the other Villages one by one.
Mitsuhide: Hey you, what Scroll do you have?
Pointing his finger at Naruto, Mitsuhide seemed to be enjoying himself.
Naruto: That's... none.. of your business!!
Forcing himself back on his feet, Noh seemed worried for him as they were heavily outnumbered.
Jun: Maybe we should just slay them and leave whatever Scroll he has behind, just like we did with those Iwa Shinobi earlier...
Naruto: That were you guys?! Have you no heart?!
Masamune: Well, we did leave one of them behind alive... So, did he make it?
Naruto: Humph...
Nina: So what are you going to do little man? You surely can't defeat us all! And by the looks of it, that poor girl isn't used to taking care off herself either, now is she?
Noh: I...
Naruto: Heh, doesn't matter! I'll deal with you guys nonetheless!
Kenshin: Still pretty bold for being this outnumbered... Well then, guess we'll have to break your spirit before your teammates arrives... And once we've dealt with you, we'll add your Scroll to our collection of twelve so far, bwuahaha!
Naruto: 12 Scrolls?!
Ada: Hopefully, you're not as weak as those Grass Shinobi!
Ina: Hahaha, they were pathetic, trying to ask us which Scroll we had, to avoid fighting!
Naruto (In Thoughts): Them too?? Just how far are these guys willing to go?!
Noh: Naruto, I...
Naruto: It's alright, stay behind me, I'll definitely deal with these thugs, *Smirk*
Positioning himself in front of her, Naruto reached out his arm, signaling her to stay behind him.
Ada: Ahh, poor girl, you're probably used to having a strong man defending you and doing everything as you please...
Noh: That's not true, I...
Ina: And it's your sort that never should become Shinobi to begin with!
Noh: I-... I-...
Nina: What's the matter, lost your tongue? You are a disgrace to our kind, you filthy little slu-...
Naruto: Don't you dare talk to her like that you bastard!
Nina: Oh? Upset that I talk down to your weak little worm of a girlfriend?
Sand Shinobi: Hahaha!
Breaking out in laughter, the nine of them were making Naruto more and more infuriated.
Masamune: Well enough talk! Now we're just stalling the inevitable here...
Mitsuhide: You're right, let's finish this guy off fast and get out of here.
Masamune: And after he's broken down and beaten, maybe we can have some fun with his little girl, Mitsuhide!
Noh: !!
Naruto: ...
Masamune: Now, let's fini-...?!! Gah!
Not taking their bullshit any longer, Naruto drew his Short Sword as he leaped off in a blink of the eye, slitting Masamune's throat in an instant as blood gushed out of him and all over the place.
Sand Shinobi: ?!
Landing lifeless on the ground, Naruto stood over his dead body as he had a determined look on his face. Replying in a cold tone, Naruto was out for blood.
Naruto: ... Who's next?
In response to this, Ada's team jumped down from the trees as they went straight for Naruto. From the ground, Mitsuhide and Jun reacted immediately as well, while Kenshin, Mugiwara and Shingen were taken back by the whole situation. A massive explosion occurred as Naruto got blasted away, his short sword flew through the air and hit the wall as he fell on his back.
Naruto: Ugh... Damn it.
Looking up, he saw that the five of them were charging in at him as he quickly started forming some hand-seals.
Mitsuhide: You bastard, you will die for this!!
Naruto: *Smirk*
Sand Shinobi: !!
Suddenly a cloud of smoke appeared as nine clones of Naruto appeared beside him, each of them readying a kunai.
Jun: That's Kage bunshin no jutsu! Be careful guys!
As the two forces clashed head on, Kenshin turned his attention towards his two teammates.
Kenshin: What are you guys waiting for?! Let's go already!
Mugiwara: Masamune... Masamune, he...
Shingen: I... he... how...
Kenshin: Get your act together!
Slapping the both of them across their faces, they quickly snapped back to reality as Kenshin pointed at Noh.
Kenshin: Now's our chance, let's grab her and get back on that bastard!
Mugiwara: Right!
Kenshin: They will pay for this!
Naruto: Shit, my clones are getting nowhere...
One by one, the Shadow Clones were beaten as Naruto was trapped in a corner once more, facing the five Sand Shinobi by himself. As he readied himself for another attack, Noh suddenly drew his attention towards her.
Noh: Naruto-Kun!
Naruto: Noh?! Leave your hands off her!
Facing towards her, Naruto quickly noticed that Kenshin and his team had grabbed a hold onto her as Kenshin had pressed a kunai towards her throat.
Kenshin: Drop your damn kunai or she get's it!
Noh: Naruto-Kun, don't listen to them!
Mugiwara: Shut up you dumb sl*t!
Slapping her across the face, Mugiwara only added more fuel to Naruto's rage.
Naruto: I said, leave her alon-... Ugh?!
Paying too much attention towards them, Naruto didn't notice Mitsuhide closing in on him as he stabbed a kunai into the right side of his abdomen.
Noh: NARUTO?!?!
Mitsuhide: That should teach you, now die!
Falling to his knees Naruto seemed as if not able to stop Mitsuhide's attack as he aimed for his neck with his kunai.
Noh: Naruto, don't give in!!
Naruto: !!
Quickly slamming his left hand towards Mitsuhide's right arm, Naruto effectively knocked the kunai out of his hand as he followed up with a roundhouse kick, sending him flying into the rest standing behind him as they all fell to their backs.
Naruto: Ugh...
Holding his wound with his right hand, Naruto reached into his pocket with his left as he grabbed the Scroll of Earth that he had.
Naruto: Kenshin, take this!
Kenshin: !!
Mugiwara: Oh, you're giving up so easily?
Shingen: Still, we won't let you two go regardless!
Tossing it over to Kenshin, Naruto saw an opportunity to make him let down his guard, as Kenshin raised his hand up in the air and caught the Scroll with the same hand as he was holding the kunai against Noh's throat with. In an instant, Naruto leaped of as a massive ball of chakra formed in his left hand.
Naruto: And take this! Rasengan!!!
Kenshin: ?!
Hitting him dead on, Naruto sent Kenshin flying through the trees as he disappeared from view. In response to this, Mugiwara and Shingen jumped back to gain some distance as Mitsuhide and the rest had got back on their feet.
Naruto: *Pant, pant, pant*
Noh: Naruto-Kun, you're badly hurt!
Naruto: Heh, this is nothing... I won't let anything happen to you,that's a promise of a lifetime!
Noh: !!
Giving her a smile of confidence, Naruto raised his left thumb in the air as Noh was so taken back, that she couldn't utter a word.
Mitsuhide: This is not over yet!
Jun: You will pay for what you've done!
Nina: You won't be able to keep up for too long now, and when that happens...
Ada: We promise you that you will meet your fitting end!
Ina: And then, we will dance on your freaking corpse!
Naruto: Still, all I hear is talk-... Ugh...
Noh: Naruto-Kun!
Suddenly falling to his knees on the ground, Naruto was bleeding badly as he almost succumbed to his wound. Not being a fatal one, it still took a heavy tool on him as he lost more and more blood by the minute. Still keeping his left hand on Noh's shoulder, she went down to him as she tried to help him up, but to no vain.
Mugiwara: Haha, you're finished already?!
Shingen: Ehm... What happened to Kenshin, did he??
Turning his attention towards the direction Kenshin was blasted in, Shingen seemed a bit puzzled as he scratched his back-head.
Ada: Take this!
Noh: !!
Naruto: ?!
Racing up to him, Ada punched him across the face as she followed up kicking Noh backwards, sending her into the cliff.
Noh: Ouch!
Naruto: Ug-hh... Noh...
Falling to the ground on his stomach, Naruto could barely keep his eyes up as he saw that Noh was injured as she hit the wall.
Ada: And now, you will die!
Raising a kunai, she was just about to strike down at him when Jun came over to her and stopped her.
Jun: Wait Ada...
Ada: Wait?! Why show this one any mercy? The one who killed your teammate?!
Jun: It's not that, *Snickers* Let's not give him the easy way out.
Mitsuhide: Yeah, let's make him suffer!
Walking over to them, Mitsuhide grabbed Naruto by his hair as he pulled him up to his knees, facing him towards the cliff where Noh was struggling to get up, as Ada walked over to her.
Naruto: Ugh...
Ada: Get up you coward!
Noh: Ahh!!
Naruto: Please, just... leave her... alone...
Mitsuhide: What was that?! You're in no position to beg!
Punching him across the face, Mitsuhide dragged him up again by his hair as he positioned himself behind him.
Mitsuhide: Now watch, as we beat your girl senseless.
Slapping her straight across the face, Ada seemed to not hold back anything as Noh fell to the ground. Joining up to her came Nina, Ina and Jun as a vicious exchange of punches, kick, and pulling her by her hair followed. Some yards away stood Mugiwara and Shingen as they watched from a safe distance. Out from the bushes came Kenshin, still alive, but obviously having taken a heavy tool by the Rasengan earlier.
Mugiwara: Kenshin??
Shingen: Oh, so you're alive after all...
Kenshin: Heh, what did you guys think of me?
Mugiwara: Well, you're just in time for the good part...
Kenshin: I see we have things under control now.
Noh: Stop it!
Naruto: Please, please leave her alone!
Still struggling to break free from Mitsuhide's grasp, Naruto was forced to watch as the four females lashed out on Noh.
Ada: Halt!
Jun: What's the matter?
Ada: Well this is interesting.
Temporary halting the beating, Ada grabbed Noh by the hair as she tossed her on the ground in front of Naruto, stepping on her face with her foot.
Naruto: You bastards... Ugh...
Ada: I want to see you beg kid... Beg as your life slips away. Mitsuhide...
Signaling Mitsuhide to bring him forth, Mitsuhide dragged Naruto even closer to the two of them as he forced him to the ground right in front of them, tightening his grasp. Pulling out a kunai, Ada grabbed Noh by her hair and pulled her up to her knees, placing it on her throat as they were just inches away from Naruto and Mitsuhide.
Ada: Now I want to see you beg for her... Beg for her life, and maybe we'll spare it...
Naruto: Ugh, damn you, you stupid-...
Ada: BEG!!!
Forcing her kunai even closer to Noh's throat, a small scratch appeared on her neck as blood began to flow down it.
Ada: Beg or I'll kill her right in front of you!
Noh: Naruto-... Kun...
Naruto: Stop it!!!
Struggling to get free from Mitsuhide's grasp, Naruto was more mad than ever before as Ada was playing with Noh's life right in front of him. As if still refusing to answer, Mitsuhide pressed his left hand towards Naruto's wound as he let out a big groan of pain.
Mitsuhide: She tells you to beg, now do it!! How does it feel to be alive?!! Can you feel it?!!
Naruto: Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!
Noh: Please... I'll do anything... just stop it...
Ada: Anything you say?
Pressing the kunai even closer to her throat, Ada seemed as if she was just about to kill her off.
Ada: Naruto, is it?? Well, do you love her, Naruto??
Naruto: What?!
Ada: I said, do you love her?!?!
Noh: !!
Knowing that she had an intent to kill her, Naruto was left with little choice as Ada raised her kunai some inches away from Noh's throat, before applying speed to a thrust towards it.
Naruto: I do!!! Please, please don't!
Ada: ??
Halting just as the kunai touched her throat again, Ada looked up at Naruto and saw him directly into his eyes.
Ada: What?? I can't hear you...
A ludicrous smile formed on her face as she continued her torment.
Naruto: I love her! Please, don't...
Noh: !!
Ada: Heh, pathetic little boy!
Mitsuhide: Kehehe...
Slowly removing her kunai from Noh's throat, Ada proceeded to lick the blade as some blood had gathered on it from the scratch she made on Noh's throat earlier.
Ada: If you do... Then prove it...
Naruto: I... What do you mean?!
Ada: I don't know... If you truly love her... Kiss her.
Noh: !!
Naruto: ?!
Standing just feet away from them, the rest of the gang began laughing as Mitsuhide pressed Naruto's face closer towards Noh's.
Mitsuhide: You heard her!
Naruto: What kind of sick game is this?!
Ada: ... I mean it. If you don't kiss her now, I'll kill her.
Completely shocked of the situation that was taking place, and at the same time pretty beaten up, both Naruto and Noh did not know what to do as the eight remaining members of the Suna teams were simply playing with their lives.
Ada: I've seen how you look at her, how you're willing to go the extra mile to protect her... Kiss her, like you mean it, or... I'll slit her throat and spill her blood all across your face!
Naruto: ?!
Noh: Naruto-Kun...
Ada: I didn't tell you to talk, did it?!
Placing her kunai on Noh's throat again, Ada pulled her by the hair as she dragged her head backwards.
Ada: Now??
Naruto: I...
Ada: I give you three seconds, or her blood is on your hands...
Noh: Naruto-...
Ada: One!
Naruto: I-...
Mitsuhide: It's just a stupid kiss, now do it! I know you want too!
Tossing Naruto's head forward, Mitsuhide let go off him as he got back up on his feet.
Ada: Kiss her like you mean it, I know you want to...
Still holding Noh by her hair with her left hand and the kunai placed at her throat with her right hand, Ada pulled out her tongue as she licked Noh's right chin with a playful look on her face.
Naruto: Alright, fine I'll do it!
Ada: Two!
Naruto: I said I'll do it!!
Ada: *Smirk*
Giving her some space and removing the kunai from her throat, Ada, while still holding onto her hair, pushed Noh's face forwards as she was just inches away from Naruto.
Noh: Naruto, you don't have to-...
Naruto: I promised I would protect you no matter what, remember? I'll stay true to that!
Noh: ...
Ada: I'm still waiting, don't make me start counting again!
Reaching out for her, their lips met as the rest of the Suna gang began laughing like never before.
Kenshin: Haha, I can't believe he did it!
Ada: Excellent...
Letting go of her, Ada pushed Noh over Naruto as he fell backwards with her on top of him.
Ada: *Sigh*... As much as I would like to let you two lovebirds live, I can't really overlook Masamune's death...
Jun: No way we're letting you get away from this.
Noh: Naruto-Kun, I-...
Naruto: It's okay, let me deal with this.
Gently pushing her aside, Naruto forced himself up as Noh stood up behind him. The rest of the Suna gang quickly gathered in front of them as the inevitable battle were about to continue.
Ada: *Smirk* You can consider that a death wish... Now, you'll both die.
Naruto: *Smirk* What are you talking about, we've only just begun!
Sand Shinobi: ?!
Suddenly, a massive red chakra erupted from Naruto as his stomach wound healed in an instant. His eyes then began transforming as the Rinnegan appeared.
Noh: Naruto-Kun?!
Naruto: It's alright, stay back.
Ada: What's that?!
Mitsuhide: It's not the Sharingan or the Byakugan?!
Ina: I think I've heard about this before...
Nina: Isn't that the Rinnegan?!
Ada: Rinnegan?!
Jun: That is impossible?!
Mugiwara: ...
Shingen: Heh, and he waited this long before utilizing it?
Kenshin: Doesn't matter, he will fall regardless!!
Naruto: I can only activate these eyes after a set of time... Since I showed the Exam Master them before this stage begun, I had to wait a few hours before activating them again... These eyes are a gift, a reflection that I've adapted to... They are a Legacy, given to me by bloodline... They are not really mine, but his eyes... Not gained by birth, but they are his way of looking over the outside world as he no longer can walk here... It's due to his newly developed transfer technique that allows me to use them... Allows me to activate and deactivate them as I please... When he's not using them, he can transfer them over to me, and vice versa. We are connected... We are the same... Our chakra is the same... Something in which connects us to the same destiny...
Mugiwara: What on earth is he blabbering about?!
Shingen: I have no idea...
Kenshin: ...
Ada: Tch, so what?? Let's get him!
In an instant, the eight of them leaped towards Naruto as he signaled Noh to take a few steps back. In his arms formed two massive Rasengan, one red and one blue, and in a flash, a massive explosion occurred.
[...]
Ikari: Hmm... That was weird... So instead of killing you when they had the chance, they stalled and let you get the upper-hand? And did you defeat them all alone? I thought your late brother Sasuke came to help?
Naruto: Like I've said before, I'm getting old... Some parts of this story might be lost forever, but I'm pretty sure it went down like this...
Ikari: Well then, go on.
[...]
Leaping through the trees was Sasuke, who had already passed by the toxic lake where they spotted the Rhino earlier as he had managed to track down Naruto, Noh and the Sand Shinobi's tracks.
Sasuke: Just be safe brother, I'm on my way!
[...]
Tadakatsu: I can't believe this...
Sakura: What's that??
Tadakatsu: How did I lose her?
Sakura: Lose her??
Magoichi: Tadakatsu was always fond of Noh, but he never really found the right moment to tell her... That's why he always seems so protective when it came to her, and that he often says the wrong things in her company...
Sakura: Oh... So he's...
Magoichi: Yeah, pretty much so.
Tadakatsu: ...
Looking up at the skies, Tadakatsu had a worried look on his face.
Sakura: Love, huh... So Magoichi, are you feeling any better?
Magoichi: I feel fine thank you!
Sakura: Still, you should keep resting.
Tadakatsu: I just wonder if they'll be alright... I can't stand all this waiting around, it's not my style...
Looking over at Sakura, whom were wrapping up her medical treatment, Tadakatsu noticed her Scroll of Earth hanging out, as he looked over at Magoichi who immediately understood what he thought, and that he was tempted to take it. However, he slowly shook his head back and forth, as Tadakatsu knew it wouldn't be right of them after all they had been through.
Tadakatsu: It's been about half an hour since Sasuke left... If they don't show up soon, I'll have to go after them.
Sakura: Just give it some time, I'm sure they are alright...
Magoichi: Well, it would be a shame if anything were to happen to Noh now, especially since these two Scrolls don't mean much unless our whole team make it to the-...
Tadakatsu: Idiot! She's fine, you better believe it...
Magoichi: I-...
Giving him a mean look, Magoichi knew not to tempt fate as he shied away from Tadakatsu's view.
[...]
Smoke, ash, and several clouds of dirt were blocking the view in front of them as Naruto was panting heavily. Still standing behind him was Noh, who didn't know what to make out of what she had just witnessed.
Ada: Mitsuhide, Jun! We need to get out of here, now!
Mitsuhide: Right!
Jun: But what about Kenshin, Mugiwara and Shingen?!
Ada: They can fend for themselves, now retreat!
Fleeing in the opposite directing of Naruto and Noh, Ada, Jun and Mitsuhide ran for their lives as the bodies of Nina and Ina laid on the ground in front of Naruto and Noh.
Kenshin: Let's get out of here boys! Live to fight another day, ugh...
Shingen: What about the rest??
Mugiwara: Leave them be... As long as their teams are shattered, they won't be making it to the next round anyways. Kenshin, you still have the Scrolls of Heaven and Earth?
Kenshin: Yes, let's head for the Tower right away!
Leaping away, the three of them disappeared in an instance.
Noh: Naruto-Kun...
Naruto: *Pant, Pant* It's over now... Ugh...
Falling backwards, Noh barely managed to catch him as she fell on her back with Naruto landing in her lap. Looking down on his hands Naruto began to mumble some words...
Naruto: The act of war... Chunin Exam or not, one should never have to kill comrades of the Alliance...
Noh: You were left with little choice... And they had it coming...
Naruto: But still... I've never taken a life before, yet along three... These powers, they aren't even mine to begin with...
Noh: What do you mean?
Naruto: It's a long story, I'll tell you some other time... The only thing I can say is that I'm somehow linked to him... And using these eyes, makes me...
As he was still mumbling about, his Rinnegan deactivated as his wound that had healed previously due to his increase of chakra, had burnt marks all over it. His whole body was burning, and he felt completely out of energy. Brushing her left hand gently through his hair, Noh didn't really know what to say, as not only was she a shy person to begin with, but with everything that had happened, the three dead Sand Shinobi, the thin line between life and death and Naruto's hidden power, she definitely didn't know what to make of things. And yet, there was this one thing lingering in her mind. That kiss... She just couldn't stop thinking about it, his lips meeting hers... It was forced, yes, but it was still...
Naruto: Noh-Hime... What's on your mind?
Noh: !!
Still lying in her lap, Naruto bent his head backward as he looked into her cute brown eyes. Perhaps he hadn't really thought much about the whole thing, about her, but maybe, just maybe, there was some truth to his words that he was forced to speak after all? He had to say it to keep her alive, but... What if?
Noh: I-... What... Do you mean?
Naruto: Noh-Hime... Back then...
Noh: Naruto-Kun, I-...
Knowing instantly what he was referring to, she immediately blushed as she tried to look away. Turning around and getting up on his knees, Naruto grabbed both her hands gently as he looked her into her eyes.
Naruto: Are you...
Noh: *Kremt* I... *Kremt* You... Ahh...
Getting just more and more red, Noh had no place to go. She was trapped in his handsome-looking eyes, starring at her... Maybe she liked him? Was she affected by his heroism? No... Tadakatsu had always protected her, so it couldn't just be... It had to be something else... This feeling...
Naruto: Are you thinking the same thing as I?
Noh: I... What... are you...
Getting a bit nervous, Noh's body acted on her own as she tried to push Naruto backwards, causing him to fall over. However, he was still holding onto her hands as she too was dragged with him, landing on top of him.
Noh: Naruto-Kun!! I-... I-...
Naruto: ...
Looking straight into her eyes, the two of them starred at each other passionately, as they both anticipated what would happen next. Slowly bending her face down closer to him, their lips met again as they started making out intensely. However, before they managed to make out for too long, Naruto felt like he almost could sense someone approaching, as he rolled Noh over and quickly got back on his feet.
Noh: Naruto-Kun, what's-...
Naruto: Someone is headed our way...
Pulling forth a Kunai and placing it in front of himself, Naruto readied himself as a familiar face came rushing out of the trees.
Naruto: Brother?!
Sasuke: Naruto! Noh! So here you are! Are you two alright? I tracked you here, but I also saw some other tracks leading this way as well.
Naruto: It's a long story...
Noh: Is everyone else alright?
Sasuke: Yes, they are awaiting our return. Come, let's head back before someone finds us-...
Naruto: Just hang on a minute, I need to get something...
Sasuke: Get what?
Naruto: You'll see...
Leading them back to the place where the battle took place, Naruto began to unveil the events that went down as he collected his Short Sword and holstered it on his back again. Going over to the three dead bodies of Masamune, Nina and Ina, the three of them came across one Scroll of Heaven. Knowing that Sakura had their last Scroll of Earth safe, after Naruto lost his, and that Tadakatsu had a Scroll of Heaven and a Scroll of Earth over at their place, they finally had the necessary items the needed as they rushed back to the rest. After a short meet and greet, the six of them headed towards the Tower of Death, and on the 4th day of the second stage of the Chunin Exam, they arrived there after passing through numerous traps and fights on their way there. There, the two Konoha teams passed...
A few hours later, they were told that they were the first two teams to make it to the final stage, as none had made it before them. A bit surprised at this, but yet extremely satisfied, Tadakatsu looked over and nodded at Sasuke, as if telling him that the idea of teaming up was the best they could have done. Then, they were informed what teams were still left in the Forrest of Death. After a short briefing, the six of them were told to hang out there while waiting for the remaining teams as they got their hands on some well deserved water and food. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that only one more team had made it through to the final round as the remaining teams had failed the criteria by either losing a teammate, giving up, or the number of scrolls remaining did not match up for any of them to pass.
Tadakatsu: These guys again huh...
Sasuke: Hmm...
Sakura: Well, you didn't seem to have much trouble with them before, Tadakatsu...
Magoichi: Still, they're not to be underestimated...
Noh: ...
Naruto: Those bastards...
Almost as if having to hold himself back, Naruto looked at the three Sand Shinobi entering the scene as one of them looked back at him with a vicious smile on his face.
Kenshin: So, you guys made it huh...
Mugiwara: Where are the rest??
Shingen: Seems like we're the only ones who've made it. Interesting for sure...
It was then, when the intensity between the two sides seemed to be boiling, that the Hokage and his two advisers appeared as they spoke out.
Hiruzen: Welcome, young promising Genins... I must say, I think this is a record low number of Shinobi making it to this stage... Regardless, nine are still better than nothing... As you may know, war is cruel, painful, and filled with sorrow... Even though we're at an Alliance, we still have to prepare our next generation in case of future outbreaks.
Mito: Although it may seem harsh, the Chunin Exam is, and will always be a test of true strength, courage, teamwork and leader abilities... Death is part of life, and what happens in the Chunin Exam is part of it. Death can't always be avoided, and thus, some of you may have experience something you wish you would have been able to avoid. The rules and the risks of the Chunin Exam are clear to everyone... So is the Code of Shinobi.
Minato: Now, you've reached the final stage, the 3rd stage of the Chunin Exam. Here, you will no longer work as a team, but your individual abilities will be measured. However, before we get there, we have to have a preliminary round.
As they went on, Naruto questioned what his father meant by his words.
Naruto: Preliminary, what's that?
Sakura: It means that before we get to the Quarter-Final Stage, we will have to have some preliminary rounds...
Sasuke: Just pay attention.
Tadakatsu: This should be interesting...
Having his arms crossed together, Tadakatsu seemed as if gloaming of confidence, as Magoichi was a bit more puzzled beside him. Noh however, could simply not take her eyes of Naruto, as he noticed and turned his head towards her, only to see her panic and face her head forward again.
Minato: This means that we will have to eliminated someone before we get to the actual final stage... As it is now, you are nine, but we only need eight. This means that only one preliminary fight has to be fought, and that only one Shinobi... Needs to be eliminated. And thus, we'll be doing a lucky draw.
Standing beside the three of them was the Exam Master from before, as she then stepped forward and spoke out.
Exam Master: Now, if you all may turn your attention towards the board, as the ones battling will shortly be announced.
Looking up at the board, the names of the nine Shinobi were randomly jumping back and forth until it finally landed on two names.
Naruto: ?!
Sakura: !!
Sasuke: ...
Tadakatsu: Hah!
Mugiwara: Really now...
Shingen: You can do this, no problem Mugiwara!
Kenshin: Give it your all... I wish to fight you later on.
Magoichi: So you two are to face each other then...
Noh: Sasuke-Kun...
Tadakatsu: Don't you dare lose this battle Sasuke... If anyone should beat you, it's me!
Sasuke: Don't you worry Tadakatsu...
As the nine of them walked up to the second floor of the arena, Sasuke did some final preparations and pep talk with his teammates, as did Mugiwara with his, before Sasuke went on.
Sasuke: Well then, let's get on with it!
Leaping down from the upper floor, Sasuke landed on the ground as Mugiwara appeared in front of him. The Exam Master then stepped forward as she began explaining the rules. Both nodding accordingly and shaking hands with each other, she then signaled the fight to begin.
Exam Master: Alright then, you may begin!
Sasuke: Watch me father, as I will make you proud!
Looking over at Minato, Hiruzen and Mito, who were standing on the ground a little further away from them, Sasuke activated his Sharingan as the fight was just about to begin.
*The Final Stage of the Chunin Exam Approaches!!*
~ End Chapter 2
* Will Sasuke be able to overcome Mugiwara and proceed to the Quarter-Finals? And how will the others fare once we get there? Find out, Next Time! *
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Fun Facts & Author's Note:
1: I don't know why, but at this point I do believe Tadakatsu was and still is my favorite character in this entire sequel xP There's just something about his badass attitude and powers to back it up with that I can't really put my finger on. I just loved every time I wrote his dialogue, as I knew they had to be full of confidence.
2: What's Naruto the 2nd talking about, and how is he linked to Naruto himself with the Rinnegan? This whole ordeal was something I made up as I wrote the two first chapters, and due to this, I had to do some collaboration on it in the chapters to come. It might not be clear how the whole thing works yet, but you will be "enlighten" in the chapters to come.
3: I think... No, this is definitely the first time I've played around with 1st person narrative in the whole Series of TLSoK... I don't know how I ended up writing some of the narrative in first person, though I guess you could say that it just happened and that it from my perspective was fitting there and then, haha.
4: In my opinion, this chapter was pretty dark... For some reason I was inspired after watching the Hunger Games not too long ago, as well as re-watching some episodes of Lost, where a similar event happened, so I tried to give it a touch of something new. The whole thing that went down with Naruto, Noh, Ada, Mitsuhide and the rest, was pretty hard to write actually as I didn't know how dark it actually seemed and if I was taking it too far or not. It definitely added a touch of life and death, with a twist of how sick the human mind can be I suppose, haha. Though it did its purpose of setting up Naruto the 2nd and Noh, so I think I'll be able to "get away" with it so to speak in the long run, lol.
5: Originally I had planned that it was Naruto that was picked for the preliminary match, and not Sasuke, but due to how this chapter turned out and how both Tadakatsu and Naruto managed to show of some of their power/skills in it, I figured I had to showcase Sasuke instead. How that turns out, you will see next chapter
6: That's all I have for this chapter, thank me thumbs up if you enjoyed it, leave a comment and don't be afraid to ask me anything if you have something on your heart xD, and as always people, have an awesome day ;D
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