The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 7;
*ZuZuZu*
Emerging from the ground, 100 of yards away from the where the intense battle had taken place, Zetsu switched off his recording ability as the battle had finally come to an end.
Black Zetsu: ...
White Zetsu: He lost... But what an insane battle!
Black Zetsu: I don't think we'll be able to bring him back this time...
White Zetsu: So... what do we do now?
Black Zetsu: Find Kabuto...
*ZuZuZu*
[...]
A: A god?! What, are you crazy?!!
Onoki: You saw it yourself! Sasuke and Killerbee were both definitely dead, and Naruto brought them both back to life by his own hands... If you don't call that the power of a god, then I do not know how you define the term "god."
Still grasping Killerbee tightly, refusing to let go, A was baffled by Onoki and what he just said. A little further away from them, Kurotsuchi's feelings had completely taken over her mind and body, as she began making out intensely with Sasuke. Meanwhile, Tsunade and Sakura were urging Sasuke and Killerbee to take it easy, just to make sure that they were fully healed and back to normal.
A: I...
Gaara: Calm down both of you, this is no time to discuss such matters.
Mei: He's right, we need to get this situation under control...
Tsunade: Indeed, even if Tobi has been dealt with, there are still other concerns to take care off.
Mifune: Hmm...
Naruto: Kabuto...
The shinobi alliance had surrounded Sasuke and Killerbee, grateful for the two being still alive, as Naruto looked over and met eye contact with both of them. Naruto gave them a brief nod as they exchanged smiles, before he turned around and began walking a bit further away from the rest. He then eventually stopped on top of a cliff some 50 yards away, as he scanned the area in front of him. He looked down at his arms, still covered in his Bijou chakra, as his mind faded away into his own thoughts.
Naruto (In thoughts): 'Hmm... This Bijou form seems different... Why am I not able to turn it off? What is this power? Will I be able to control it? The Rinnegan??...'
As he was lost deep in his own thoughts, different flashbacks began circling through his head.
*Flashback Begins*
'Great Toad Sage: ...This man will tie past with future and become... complete...
Tobi: By gathering all the six paths, I will become the perfect being. What my father never took the opportunity to become... A god! I would be unstoppable and none would be able to resist me!
Sasuke: So merging all the bijous and restoring the Jubi, would mean that you would have one path... The last path, the final step in becoming the perfect being, as powerful as the Sage of Six Paths himself?!
Tobi: Exactly...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): ...The orbs represent the different paths... After the son of the Sage of Six Paths got destroyed, the paths that he had gathered transferred to you. And with me being the 6th path... you're now complete...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): The five other paths are... Senju... Uchiha... Uzumaki... Hyuga and finally... Rinnegan...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): Even if you have all the paths, you still have to naturally grasp them... meaning that someone without a pure body won't be able to control them all at once. Once you've naturally awakened all the paths within you, you will become... complete...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): You will need time to adapt to this new power... the power of the Jubi, and the power of the Sage of Six paths... until then...
Sasuke: I'm... alive?
Tsunade: What just happened? You just died?! Your heart had definitely stopped!
Sasuke: I... I... Don't know.
Shikamaru: When you placed your hands on Sasuke something happened! That must be it!
A: Brother?! You're alive!
Killerbee: What's happening? Where are we... I was... dead?
Shikamaru: I don't know how you pulled that off Naruto, but it seems like...
Onoki: He's become a god!
Great Toad Sage: Hmm... It's unclear, but this man will then meet several people from the past, people he knows... And together move on towards the future.
Great Toad Sage: Meeting those from the past will call upon an important choice by this man. Then...
Great Toad Sage: Uzumaki Naruto... You will bring upon the period of the Three Great Toad Sages.
Great Toad Sage: And you will be their spiritual guide towards...
Great Toad Sage: When the three new sages are ready, when your legacy is ready, you will be ready, Uzumaki Naruto. That is all...'
*Flashback Ends*
Naruto: I...
Unable to control his thoughts, Naruto ventured inside himself to seek out the Jubi for some more answers. Naruto slowly closed in on the cage, as he saw the Jubi curled up with his back turned towards him, seemingly sleeping.
Naruto: Jubi... What are you? What does this new power mean? The paths... Kurama... and the other beasts... are they?
Jubi: ...
Naruto: Hey, I'm talking to you!
Jubi: ...??
Naruto: Answer me!...
Jubi: I already told you...
Naruto: ?!...
Jubi: Adapting to this new power you now possess... will take time... Not only my power, but also the power of the other paths - the power of the Sage of Six Paths... the paths of the Rinnegan... All of this combined, you now posses the same power that the Sage of Six Paths once possessed... He too needed time to adapt, and he was the founding father of all jutsu... You are like him... The same... Full of courage, benevolence... the same crap that stinks of the word peace. If you really are his reincarnation, you should know what this means... And until you do... until you know how to fully grasp this new gained power... until you know right from wrong... what should be allowed, and what shouldn't... until you acquire the ability to lead on a new age, where power through peace means all... where only right and no wrong exists... the key to true, eternal peace... the way to teach and lead men... prevent evil thoughts... to achieve what the Sage of Six Paths himself couldn't... then, and only then, will you have my full cooperation... Until then...
Naruto: I... What does all this mean? Where do I begin?!
Jubi: ... The Sage of Six Paths acquired his true abilities after sealing me with his six legendary weapons... The Banana Palm Fan, the Crimson Gourd, the Amber Purifying Pot, the Golden Canopy Rope, the Seven Star Sword, and finally, the sixth and original tool - the tool to complete the collection of the Sage's legendary sacred tools, the treasure given to him by the mysterious wizard named Kabuto... The Staff of Fortune and Destiny, with the power to change time, space and fate.
Naruto: The wizard named Kabuto?
As the Jubi was telling Naruto about the past, something triggered his memory once he heard that name, something he remembered Tobi told Sasuke and himself right before the fighting began.
*Flashback Begins*
Tobi: In the Sage's early life, he was one day confronted by a wizard who referred to himself as "Kabuto". The name came from the wizard's mysterious helmet that hid his identity from the world. A wizard with mysterious might, yet to be discovered. The wizard bestowed upon the Sage a great book of teaching, and it's this book all of the Sage's knowledge and abilities comes from. The founding book of "Jutsu". The wizard was never heard from or seen after that...
*Flashback Ends*
Naruto: So you're saying that, not only did this wizard bestow upon the Sage of Six Paths the Founding Book of Jutsu, but also these six legendary tools??
Jubi: Not entirely true, but close... So you know of the Founding Book of Jutsu?... Interesting... For you to better grasp what I'm talking about, I should start from the beginning... It was from this that the Sage studied and learned how to naturally grasp chakra. Before that, he was just a monk... a normal and mortal human being. As you might already understand, he had the same name you posses... The Sage, Uzumaki Naruto, was born in a time of chaos and war, where samurai tribes where battling for control over the land. These battles had gone on for ages and ages without stop... War between different clans and empires... The Sage grew up in a family whom were distanced from the battlefield, living in a small hut up in the mountain. It wasn't until he was 15 years old that his whole family was slaughtered by the local Oda clan, blamed for spying on them and reporting to their rival enemies. The Sage escaped and found shelter in a neighbor chapel. Here, he underwent studies of the old, ancient gods of the past, the creators of the earth. His sect was founded on values of benevolence and peace. They spread their teachings across the land, encouraging several tribes and clans to turn to peace, and not war. The Oda clan, being the most powerful of them all, quickly found out of this and ordered their most skilled warriors to eliminate the whole sect. There were only two survivors. The Sage... and his future wife. They sought refugee with the Sanada clan, where they spent their next ten years as the clan slowly, but steadily, got weaker and smaller. During his time here, the Sage one day came across the Legendary Sword in the ruins of an old temple, after venturing through a dark hallway, leading into a magical place... a pond, surrounded by rocks on all sides.
Naruto: The Legendary sword?
Jubi: Yes... Formerly known as The Goddess Sword... This timeless place was surrounded with miles and miles of dessert and wasteland on all sides and the Sage came here after being told that he was chosen to find the sword in a dream. The sword was stuck in something called the Pedestal of...
Naruto: Yeah?
Jubi: ...I'll tell you more about it another time, as it's not important right now.
Naruto: ...
Jubi: At the age of 28, the Sage one day ventured up into the local mountains, and it was there he met the wizard. The Wizard asked him what he really sought to do with his life, what his true path and goals would be, if granted the power to seek them. The Sage replied that he wanted to end the ever-lasting, never-ending war, that had gone on for ages, and create peace and harmony throughout the land. The Wizard told him that he could grant him powers to achieve that, but that he would have to use these powers for that purpose and that purpose alone, or the land would be cursed forever to witness war, death and cruelty in a never ending circle of hate. The Wizard gave him two crucial items... The Founding Book of Jutsu, and the Staff of Fortune and Destiny. With the book, he would be able to access and acquire god like powers, and with the staff, he would be able to change fate and destiny, and create anything he wanted. With it, the Sage created the five other treasured tools later in his life...
Naruto: I see...
Jubi: After studying the book for the whole night, the Sage woke up the next morning with a feeling he never had felt before... He had gained the affinity for chakra and all that comes with it. Amazed by this, the Sage hurried back home to tell his wife what he had witnessed... As he got closer and closer to the small town, he noticed flames and chaos everywhere... The Sanada clan had been attacked while he was gone, and every member of it had been slain. The Sage found countless of slain friends and allies all across town, and the sky had turned red because of all the blood spilled... It was then that he found what he had hoped he would not find...
Naruto: ?!
Jubi: His wife, dead on the ground... He took her close to his chest as he cried heavily... But, he was not able to grieve for long, as the samurai warriors that had slain the clan were still close, and they had heard his cries and agony as they quickly surrounded him...
Naruto: !!
Jubi: It was then that the Sage got up on his feet and used the very first ninja technique to ever have existed, which later became known as ninjutsu... With it, he quickly wiped out all of the assassins. He then utilized the Staff of Fortune and Destiny to change the fate of the Sanada clan, bringing them all back to life, including his wife...
Naruto: ...
Jubi: There was, however, one samurai assassin whom survived, as he fled the scene to report back to the leader of the Oda clan... As the leader got informed of the incident and the miracles that followed, he quickly gathered his armies to wipe out this new threat. The Sage, through quick persuasion, managed to gather all the other clans together, to fight the Oda clan in one final battle... The battle was long and hard, but the Sage and the other clans stood triumphant as the leader of the Oda clan and the members of it perished... It was then, some years later, that the Sage created the five other treasured tools with the Staff of Fortune and Destiny, and with it, the curse was also placed upon the land...
Naruto: What?!
Jubi: Not long after, I, the Monster of Earth, Sea and Heaven, the Jubi, was unleashed. Unlike now, I did not have a conscience back then, and I was just a mindless beast, seeking destruction...
Naruto: A curse? So you're saying that this sole incident is the reason for the never ending hate and war? But how? And where did you come from?
Jubi: I do not have access to such information... but I have a feeling it was from the curse... the curse that would be placed upon the land if the Sage used his powers for anything else than stopping the war and creating peace... The Sage, being the only one who could prevent the destruction of the earth, used his Six Treasured Tools and the Legendary Sword, as well as the knowledge and skills he had learned from the Founding Book of Jutsu, to oppose me... but... he quickly realized that there was no stopping me if he wasn't willing to put his own body at risk... That's when he sealed me inside himself, and gained access to my powers... The Sage had a strong body and a massive chakra source, enabling him to keep me sealed inside himself and to use his powerful tools. After he sealed me away, he had access to all my powers... and then, he was complete... He used this new abilities to create peace and stability throughout the land, in a time of chaos... Not through power, but through guidance... After sealing me, his eyes changed into what is now known as the Rinnegan... The same eyes you now posses... With them, he created the seven paths of the Rinnegan... I'm sure you already know of these seven paths from before?... The Deva Path, the Asura Path, the Human Path, the Animal Path, the Preta Path, the Naraka Path, and finally, the Outer Path... On his death bed, the Sage did one crucial thing...
Naruto: ??...
Jubi: He divided his powers into six paths... Senju and Uzumaki, possessing the body, spirit, chakra and will of the Sage, Uchiha and Hyuga, possessing the eye-powers, the raw strength and the ingenious mind of the Sage, the nine beasts, possessing the power of me, and the Rinnegan, possessing the power of the 7 paths of other dimensions... Shortly after he defeated me, his first son was born. Three year later, his second son, and two years after that, his daughter... But the birth of his daughter was not without complications, as his wife died during it.
Naruto: ?!
Jubi: In fear of another curse being cast upon the land, the Sage choose not to use his powers to bring his wife back from the dead for a second time. This made his oldest son furious, which again was the first incident that eventually lead to his hatred towards anyone and anything.
Naruto: So the Sage got the Founding Book of Jutsu and the Staff of Fortune and Destiny from the mysterious wizard, and after he sealed you inside himself, he gained access to your powers, as well as the power of the Rinnegan...
Jubi: Exactly.
Naruto: So where does the other four paths come from? Where and when did the Sage acquire them?
Jubi: You still don't get it, do you?
Naruto: ?
Jubi: Those paths were created by him when he divided his powers into six different paths - each path belonging to a different clan. His two sons acquired one path each by birth, but it wasn't before long after that, that the different paths were named after the different clans... It wasn't as much as each clan being a path, but more of the power that each of them inherited... the legacy of the Sage of Six Paths... After he was "completed," he learned to control the elements and grasp his new powers. Like I said before, this took a lot of time, so don't expect to be able to use all of this new powers in no time... For now, you can forget using the seven paths of the Rinnegan, but it should still have greatly enhanced your vision...
Naruto: I see... So how do you know all of this? Wasn't this after your time, after you were... split into nine parts?
Jubi: The Sage must have stored some of his knowledge in me, and the moment I got fully restored, the memory of all the other beasts merged with me...
Naruto: Hmm...
Jubi: That's all I have to say for now... Once you're ready to begin training to control and grasp these new powers, we will talk again.
Naruto: Wait... What about the other beasts?? Are they still... alive?...
Jubi: The time for talk is over... I have nothing more to say to you for now...
Naruto: Just answer this one question, that's all I ask...
Jubi: ...Yes...
Naruto: !!
Jubi: I can feel their souls inside me, co-existing as one being... This is a feeling that is new to me...
Naruto: ?! Will I be able to communicate with them?
Jubi: If you've been paying attention to anything I said, you know that time is everything... one step at a time... Do you know the key to peace? True...ever-lasting...peace?...
Naruto: I...
Jubi: The key to peace... those were the dying words of the Sage of Six Paths... before he passed on his will to his sons and split me into nine beasts. To rule through Power, or to rule through Peace... The never ending battle between Senju and Uchiha...
Naruto: ...
Jubi: When you are ready... When you have an answer to give... a solution to solve the question of ages... come seek me out again...
Naruto: But...
Jubi: ...
Naruto: I...
Still pressing the Jubi for answers, Naruto knew that he wouldn't get any more out of him at this point, as the Jubi turned around again, in his cage, and went back to sleep. Naruto returned back to reality, as he intertwined his arms together and scouted down the hill he was standing on top off. As he looked down, with his newly gained Bijou mode still intact, he heard footsteps approaching from behind, as two hands landed on each of his shoulders. A smile formed on his face, as Sasuke and Killerbee came into view - Sasuke to his left, Killerbee to his right.
Naruto: Are you guys okay?
Sasuke: Yeah, somewhat...
Killerbee: I feel like shit, but I'll manage... I was definitely dead for some time, and it would be great to have some lime...
Sasuke: I feel restored, as if I never used any chakra or energy in this war...
Killerbee: Yeah... I'm back alright! But what did I miss? Seems like you gave Tobi some diss... And you've changed bro...
Naruto: Heh... Not entirely alone as you might have figured out. Sasuke did some major helping too... It's a long story, I'll tell you all about it later.
From behind them, you could see more people closing in.
Shikamaru: What are your thoughts right now Naruto? Thinking up a strategy on how to deal with Kabuto?
A powerful wind blew across the battlefield, as Naruto's hair and cape slowly swung back and forth through it. Over to their right, the gigantic crater, caused by Naruto's Super Nova element earlier, shot lava in all directions, as rocks and boulders crumbled around the edges of it. Naruto looked up to the skies, still with his arms crossed, as some birds flew by, and into the woods ahead off them. Lightning bolts struck to the ground, causing one of the trees to catch fire, as a naturalistic feeling roamed across the field. Everything around Naruto was changed, he could see things he never had before, things he didn't knew existed. Still puzzled about what the Jubi said, what these new powers meant, Naruto responded.
Naruto: ...I thought you were the one to take care of the strategies around here Shikamaru... That's why you're my adviser after all... Heh, but yeah, we need to locate Kabuto and deal with him so that we all can go home with peace in our hearts...
As more and more people came closer to them, a low chatter began spreading through the army; some talking about Naruto, Sasuke and Killerbee, others about the wounded, the causalities and how to coupe with the current situation.
Konohamaru: Whatever it is that you have on your mind, we probably need to think fast.
Shikaku: He's right, every second we lose discussing things over here, the more time we risk wasting in our search for Kabuto.
Naruto: We should probably set up a perimeter here, and divide our army into several search groups...
A: Right! We'll have the main base here, and just like before, we'll set up a com-link network to keep in touch.
Gaara: Sounds like a plan.
Onoki: Inoichi... If you would be so kind?
Inoichi: Right!
Naruto: ...I know everyone is tired, but it's almost over now... Only one treat remains, and once we've dealt with it, we can go back to live our lives again, without fear of another war breaking out for a long time. I know some of you are sad, because you have lost friends and family members, while others are happy to see their friends still alive... There will be plenty of time to catch up and cry for the lost later, now we'll have to finish this, once and for all!
Everyone: Yeah!!
Naruto: Right son?
Jiraiya: Hah, I'll try not to fall behind you dad!
Naruto: Hinata, how are you?
Hinata: I'm alright... as long as you are...
Rubbing his son's long hair, and holding around his wife for a few seconds, Naruto looked over at Sasuke as he saw that he also was surrounded by friends and family; especially Kurotsuchi, whom almost refused to let go off him. He gave him a nod, as Sasuke turned around and went over to Onoki to start preparing things. Naruto then looked over at Killerbee, whom nodded back at him as he went over to A and the rest. Naruto slowly gazed at the sky once more, as he saw that some of the clouds had began clearing causing several stars to come into view. He then turned around as well and walked over to the others.
Naruto (In thoughts): 'Seems like the sun will be up within the next three hours...'
Naruto: Alright everyone, let's sort this out.
Spreading words of comfort and lifting the army's spirit, Naruto sent the moral skyrocketing as the alliance started dividing tasks and began setting things in motion. However, before they had managed to properly begin planing stuff, Naruto sensed someone approaching at rapid speed, as he turned around and looked towards the forest once more. Out of it, came a dark shadow, as it came running straight towards them.
?: Mizukage-Sama!!!
Mei: Ao?!
Ao: *Pant, Pant*
Mei: Where have you been for the past days?! And what have happened to you, and where is Chojuro??
Ao: *Pant, huff* Chojuro... *Pant* We got attacked... by Kabuto... when tracking down a spy whom infiltrated Kiri, during the chaos of the attacks of the six isles of Kiri, a couple of days ago, when Akatsuki returned. *Pant* Chojuro.... he... I...
Mei: What?! Is he?...
Realizing what Ao was talking about, Mei was shocked to hear the devastating news, as she fell to her knees, crying heavily. Tsunade sat down beside her, trying to comfort her.
Ao: ... There was nothing I could do to save him... I'm sorry, Mizukage-Sama... I've failed you...
Mei: Chojuro... oh god no... H-e... he... ever since my late husband died, Chojuro has been like a stepfather to our daughter... Ho-w.. could this have happened?!
Ao: Chojuro and I found out about the spy and tracked him down to the outskirts of Kiri during the chaos. After a long battle, we were just about to reveal his identity, when Kabuto suddenly appeared from out of nowhere and joined the battle... Kabuto reveal what was going to happen as it wouldn't matter if he told us or not... We wouldn't survive and make it back in time anyhow... Judging by how things look around here, it seems like I was too late... Kabuto... Kabuto killed Chojuro and stole Hiramekarei... I was just lucky to make it out of there alive. We must strengthen the Seven Legendary Swords of the Mist's weapon chamber at once! Kabuto is definitely up to something...
Mei: I... It's... They were all stolen during the chaos of the battle.
Ao: It can't be?! What is Kabuto scheming with the Seven Legendary Swords??
As discussion broke out due to the latest report by Ao, he remembered back to what happened earlier, as he was trying to figure out just what had gone down.
*Flashback Begins*
Ao: It can't be!
In the outskirt of Kiri, Ao had just woken up after passing out on an intense battle. He was buried under a large pile of fallen trees and once he got up, he looked around with his Byakugan to navigate. A view of a scene where a huge battle had taken place met his eyes as he looked high and low scanning the area, when suddenly a terrible sight met him.
Ao: Chojuro!
Ao spotted Chojuro being trapped under a huge rock. Only his chest and upwards was seen, while the rest was covered by the rock.
Chojuro: Ao... I'm so-rr...y... I wasn't strong enough.
Ao: Don't speak, save your strength.
Ao (In Thoughts): 'Why would we suddenly be attacked by no other than Kabuto himself? How did he know we were tracking down a Kiri spy who infiltrated our village one day ago?'
Chojuro: Is... it ba-d?
Ao: Don't worry, you're going to be fine!
Chojuro: I can't fe-el my le.....gs.. I can't feel my.... low...e-r bo-dy at a...ll...
Half of Chojuro's body was crushed beneath the rock and his life was beginning to slip through Ao's fingers.
Chojuro: Hiramekarei... it's gone... he to....oo....oo-ke... it.
Ao (In Thoughts): '!! Kabuto stole the sword?! Is he after the Seven Legendary Swords? I must warn Kiri so that we can strengthen the Weapon Chamber's security!'
Chojuro: I.... I... Ao... Thi..s is... my end... I can.. .fe-el it...
Ao: Don't say that, you can't give up!
Tears began to stream down Ao's cheeks as he tried to convince Chojuro that he would survive.
Chojuro: You... got... to prom...i..s-e me something...
Ao: Anything, just name it!
Chojuro: Mizukage-Sama... te-ll Mei I'm so..rr..r.rry I couldn't be as strong.... as her... tell her... I'm so...rr...y I couldn't... tell... her how... I felt...how my feelings for her... true-ly wh....ere... I always... wanted to... tell... her... th...at I ... lo...o...ov..-ed her, but.. I never da...red to... tell ... he...r.... the.. truth...
Ao: I will, don't worry about it.
Chojuro: Ao... you... al....wa.....y-s w...er....e.... my... best.. f-ri..en...d....................
Ao: Chojuro!!
With a final gasp, Chojuro passed away.
Ao: Nooooo...ooo! I will get you for this Kabuto!
*Flashback Ends*
Gaara: If what you just said is really true, then the situation has got even worse.
Tsunade: If Kabuto has stolen the Seven Legendary Swords of the Mist, he might pose even more of a threat than before. Anyone who has all the weapons combined, will be very dangerous... And Ao... What do you mean by spy? Is it the same spy who bombed the meeting earlier?
Ao: I don't know... All that I know comes from what Kabuto told me.
Tsunade: There was a spy dressed as a Kiri guard at the kage meeting... He brought a bomb of some sort, which blew up the Mizukage mansion. After that, the fighting broke out...
Ao: Mei... Chojuro... he really did love you, even after all these years... His death wish... hi-s final... words... I promised him I would tell you how he felt... as he never... dared himself.
Struggling to fight their tears, several shinobi from the Mist cried at the lost of Chojuro as Mei was too devastated to come up with a reply. One who were more interested in finding a certain someone however, slowly walked up to Sasuke and whispered something into his ear.
Jugo (Whispers): Sasuke... I've been meaning to ask you ever since I arrived here, but as you know... certain circumstances has kept me from asking you... Have you seen Suigetsu anywhere?
Sasuke (Whispers): No, why? I haven't seen him since before I came here. Quite frankly, I didn't even think that you would come here.
Jugo (Whispers): I don't know... He just disappeared a few days ago, right after you left for the meeting. He didn't even say a word about it, and that's not like him...
Sasuke (Whispers): He's probably taking care of his own business... Suigetsu never was the dedicated one after all.
Jugo (Whispers): I don't know... I just have a strange feeling about all this... Something feels wrong.
Sasuke (Whispers): Don't worry too much, we'll find him after we've dealt with Kabuto. You can question him all you like about his carefree attitude then.
Jugo (Whispers): Hmm... Guess you're right.
Mei: Ao... Chojuro's... Chojuro's... We need to...
Ao: I know.
Tsunade: I'll come with you. We'll retrieve his body as well as taking care of the dead.
A: Fine. Onoki, Shikaku, Inoichi, Konohamaru, Mifune and myself will set up headquarter here. Mei and Tsunade, you will be in charge of taking care of the casualties and getting things back on track.
Naruto: Then I'll take Sasuke, Killerbee, Gaara and a larger portion of the main army and track down Kabuto... We need to end this once and for all.
A: Right. You guys know what to do.
Naruto: We will first head to the north part of Kiri, as that's where the last known position of Kakashi and Gai are, and they were chasing Akashi whom were retreating with Kabuto. Our best chances on finding him will be by focusing our search perimeter up there. Then we'll... wait...
A: What is it?
Naruto: I can sense something approaching us.
Gaara: From where?!
Naruto: It's... Pakkun?!
Tsunade: ?!
Naruto: Over there!
Naruto quickly turned around and ran up the mountain he had stood on top off earlier. It was then that he saw a small figure approaching them at slow speed, as Naruto quickly teleported towards him, and the rest quickly followed.
Naruto: Pakkun?! What are you doing here??
Pakkun: *Pant, Pant, Pant* I came as fast as my legs could carry me... Kakashi... Kakashi sent me... He and Gai was just about to face off against a vicious foe, and Kakashi told me to find you as quickly as I could.
Naruto: Can you take me there?
Pakkun: Yes... *Pant* I'll lead you there.
Naruto: I know a faster way. Just tell me the coordinates and I'll teleport the two of us over there.
Pakkun: Right. Here, take this.
As Pakkun showed Naruto the coordinates, the rest quickly arrived. Naruto then stood up, as he picked Pakkun up from the ground and placed him on top of his head, before he addressed the rest.
Naruto: I know where Kakashi and Gai is... They are locked in a battle with Akashi, and they were chasing down Kabuto right before that. If I teleport Pakkun and myself over there, we'll have a better chance of making it in time.
Sasuke: But, you can't go alone! You'll need backup, no matter how strong you've become now.
Gaara: He's right!
Killerbee: Actually... It would be better if Naruto went ahead, or else the two of them might end up dead.
Naruto: Alright, I'll take two people with me. Here's the coordinates to their location... Kakashi wrote it down on this piece of paper before he sent Pakkun off. If I teleport there first, you guys can arrive afterwards to help out. Even with this new power, my limit of transporting living beings with me is still three, so I'll also take Sasuke and... Kill-...
Sakura: Wait! Take me too! You'll need a medical ninja, just in case.
Naruto: ...Right, then let's go. You people know what to do.
Gaara: Sounds like a plan... We'll come as fast as we can.
Sasuke and Sakura gathered around Naruto as Pakkun was seated on top his head. In a blink of the eye, the four of them were gone in a flash.
[...]
Gai: Kakashi!!!
Kakashi: Ugh!!
Gai: Hang on!
Locked in an intense battle with Akashi, which had gone on for God knows how long, Kakashi had taken some serious damage as Gai were completely exhausted as well. Akashi on the other hand seemed to have some sort of healing powers because of his curse-binding seal, and showed almost no signs of fatigue as his chakra was constantly restoring itself.
Gai: Kakashi, your eye?!
Kakashi: Ugh... I-ll... mana-ge... It's not the first eye I lose...
Akashi: Is that all the two of you got?!! Come on! Take this!
Gai: Shit!
Akashi unleashed a combination of Kaiten and Grand Fireball Technique as Gai managed to lift the wounded Kakashi up from the ground and swiftly carry him behind the cover of a large rock, just in time as several fireballs went bombarding against them.
Akashi: Hah, how are you going to manage without your sharingan Kakashi?? It's all you got after all! Without it, you'll be nothing! You hear me?! Nothing!! You'll probably even bleed to death before I give you the final blow... Your friend here is all that is standing between me and victory... You guys might as well just give up already, Ahahaha... mohahahaha!!
Gai: Damn it... Damn it all! Kakashi, are you alright?! I mean, your eye?!
Kakashi: I said I'm fine... this eye didn't belong to me in the first place. I can still fight, even without it!
Kakashi ripped off a piece of his clothing as he tied it around his shattered eye. Gai then handed him his headband as Kakashi tied it around his arm.
Gai: What should we do? There seems to be no stopping this guy...
Kakashi: We can't give up... not now, not like this! There are two many people counting on us. We are the Two Legendary Fangs of Konoha after all, we just can't!
Gai: But you're badly hurt... I don't know how long we can keep this up without backup. His binding seal seems to be some sort of and advanced stage of Orochimaru's curse mark... He keeps regenerating every time we fatally wounds him.
Kakashi: We need to do something drastic... We need to injure him so badly that he can't regenerate no more. We need to stop that binding seal!
Gai: But how? We would have to empty him of all his chakra, and even that has a dim chance of working. What's worse is that the way that will most likely succeed is to stop Kabuto himself and force him to release the binding seal.
Kakashi: If I only could use my Kamui one more time... Kabuto has probably injected some Hashirama cells into this guy as well.
Gai: *Pant* There seems to be no other way... This guy is like a mini Sage of Six Paths, power wise... We have to deal with him fast, before it's too late... There is no other way...
Kakashi: Gai, you aren't thinking what I think you are?! You can't, it will kill you for sure!
Gai: The current situation gives us little choice. If this works out, at least you'll get out of here alive.
Kakashi: Just hang on a minute, you can't do this!!
Gai: I have to... I'm sorry Kakashi.
Akashi: Are the two of you done chattering behind there? Do I need to break that rock in half, or are you ready to come out now?! Hah, maybe you two just laid down to die back there.
Seeing no other way out of the sticky situation, Gai got up as Kakashi was struggling to stay seated up against the rock, trying to convince Gai not to pull through with what he was just about to do. Gai stepped out from behind the rock, and slowly walked up towards Akashi. Massive green and blue chakra emerge from him, as the ground started cracking around him, causing rocks to split and fly in all directions.
Akashi: This is something different... What magic trick do you have up your sleeve now?
Not getting caught off guard, but rather the opposite, massive red chakra began emerging from Akashi as he readied himself for Gai.
Gai: 6th Gate, Gate of View - Open!
Akashi: Here he comes...
Almost at the speed of light, Gai disappeared as he clashed with Akashi. Catching him by surprise however, was the fact that Akashi was actually able to stand his ground and keep up to his speed.
Gai: Impossible?! How can you keep up with this?? Do you also know the gates?!
Akashi: With this power, comes many benefits...
Gai: This leaves me no choice then...
As the two of them were quickly exchanging blows, Gai then suddenly got the upper hand as he punched Akashi right to his cheek, sending him flying on his back. But before he was able to land, Gai appeared below him, sending him flying up in the air.
Gai: Take this, Mourning Peacock!
Akashi: Ugh!!
Gai dealt massive damage to Akashi as he was moving too fast for him to respond and keep up with anymore. After several direct hits, Gai sent Akashi flying even higher up in the air, as he followed up with another attack, appearing above him in the air.
Gai: 7th Gate, Gate of Wonder - Open! Afternoon Tiger!
Akashi: It... can't... be??
It was a direct hit as Akashi went crashing down toward the ground, causing a huge crater to appear below him. Gai landed safely on his feet as he was breathing heavily, still covered in his 8 Gate Mode.
Gai: !!
Akashi: Not so fast!
Gai: Ugh! When?!
In matter of seconds, Gai was kicked hard from the front, barely managing to get up a guard as he was send backwards, with his feet firmly planted towards the ground.
Akashi: You shouldn't be so fast attacking people... especially when you've lost track of them for some minutes... I guess it can't be helped now that Kakashi has lost his sharingan...
Gai: Shadow Clone?! So you pulled one off when we were still in the cover behind the rock... I see... I should have been more careful. But! I won't make the same mistake twice!
Akashi: ?!
Gai then suddenly picked up his speed, and moved so quickly that the image of him standing in front of Akashi was still there the moment Gai hit him dead on, sending him flying into a tree.
Akashi: Ugh!
Gai: There is more to the Gate of Wonder than what meets the eye, *pant* I figure it's time I tested out this next technique. A technique I've only used once in my life...
Akashi: !!
Quickly standing back up on his feet, Akashi watched as he saw Gai crossing his arms in front of him as even more energy erupted from him.
Akashi: *Pant* Now what?
Gai: Take this! Evening Phoenix!
Gai quickly punched his palms towards the ground as Akashi watched quietly, anticipating the next move. But to his surprise, it seemed like nothing happened.
Akashi: What? Did it fail? Nothing happened!
Gai: This was the technique I was going to one day beat Kakashi with... Not even the Sharingan nor the Byakugan would be able to see this attack.
Akashi: Hah, you're just full of sh-?!
Gai: Got you!
From beneath Akashi, the ground suddenly cracked as a large phoenix came out of it and grabbed Akashi by the tip of its peck, sending him far up in the air, before sending him back and forth in such a fast motion that the regular eye wouldn't be able to see what happened. As the attack ended, the phoenix vanished as Akashi went flying to the ground.
Gai: And finally... *Pant* I will end this now, with this final attack.
Kakashi: Wait!!! Gai, you can't do this! Don'-t!
Blood started dripping from the side of Gai's mouth and down his cheek as Kakashi was crawling towards him, trying to reach him in time.
Gai: 8th Gate, Gate of Death - Open!!!
Akashi: Wh-at?! It... Can't...
Gai: Midnight Dragon!
Four gigantic dragons came out of Gai's palms, one red, one green, one blue and one yellow, as the four of them crashed into Akashi in mid air and almost teared him apart in the progress. They finally then sent him up in the air again as they appeared above him and merged into one god like dragon, covered in the colors of the rainbow. It crashed into Akashi and sent him fast towards the ground, giving away a bright light, which then quickly retracted again, as a energy like explosion appeared the moment Akashi hit the ground. Gai fell to his knees, as he toppled over with a grind on his face.
Kakashi: No!!!
Kakashi gathered some final strength as he crawled over to Gai and reached out for him, holding him in his arms.
Kakashi: It can't be... why did you have to push it this far?!
Not being able to get any signs of life from Gai, Kakashi then noticed that Akashi, who were lying on the ground some couple of yards away, was moving his index finger slowly, as if rebooting and restoring himself from Gai's attacks. He wasn't able to move the rest of his body though, as his head was lying on the side, facing towards Kakashi and Gai.
Akashi: This... Is... Not... The... End... Once my body restores itself, you'll be next.
Kakashi: Damn it... Why is there no stopping you?! You should have been dead long time ago!! No matter what Kabuto did to you, you shouldn't be alive!
Crying heavily, holding Gai close to him, Kakashi watched as Akashi was slowly regenerating right beside him.
[...]
Ryu: Well this was rather easy...
Nobunaga: I thought this Masashi kid and that old fool would be able to do more than this... How disappointing.
Kabuto: It's done... There was nothing they could have done to stop us... Tobi has always been the only one standing between me and them, ever since I joined up with him. Now with the two of them gone, and Tobi locked in a battle with Naruto and Sasuke, this should be over soon.
Ryu: What is it that you're looking for anyways? What's so special about this cave?
Kabuto: You will have to wait and see...
Nobunaga: This is no ordinary cave is it... This is some sort of a hideout I bet.
Kabuto: To think that we've come this far... I remember when I recruited the two of you and Akashi... feels like forever...
Ryu: Well it was shortly after the 4th Great Ninja war... so it's already been over 12 years...
Kabuto: Recruiting you two was easy... Akashi on the other hand... I had to force him to join me. If I hadn't put that binding seal on him, I doubt I would ever be able to come this far...
Nobunaga: Yeah, and we had to knock him out and drag him with us to your lair...
Kabuto, Ryu and Nobunaga had arrived at their location as the dead bodies of Masashi and the real Tobi lied dead on the ground. As they were walking deeper into the cave-like hideout, Kabuto suddenly noticed something that gave him a feeling of satisfaction.
Kabuto: *Smirk* Seems like... Naruto and Sasuke succeeded...
Ryu: What do you mean?
Kabuto: The barrier has been broken... This can only mean that one of the sides has won... I bet it's them.
Ryu: Why not Tobi? He could have won as well...
Kabuto: Let's just say that I have a hunch about it...
Nobunaga: Speaking of hunches... I got a feeling we've been here before...
Kabuto: That's right... The first time you met with Tobi... this was the place. Besides, this place looks extraordinary much like Orochimaru-Sama's old hideouts...
Ryu: Hmm...
Kabuto: ...You... So you've come.
?: That was the plan after all...
Ryu: So the spy decided to show up... Interesting.
Nobunaga: Be quiet Ryu.
Kabuto: Nice job setting off that bomb at the kage meeting... Did you get what you came for??
Spy: After we took the Hiramekarei from Chojuro, stealing the other six legendary swords was easy during the chaos.
Kabuto: Good... Guess this ends our deal then.
Spy: Not quite...
Kabuto: What do you mean?
Spy: I know you are scheming something good here... Whatever it is, I want part of it.
Kabuto: In exchange for what?
Spy: I'll help you out when the battle begins again... Besides, I do need to test the power of the seven swords after all!
Kabuto: Fine...
Spy: Why the distant look on your face?
Kabuto: It's something else... Akashi.
Ryu: What, has he won already?
Kabuto: No... seems more like he's been beaten.
Nobunaga: Oh really?? I thought he was unbeatable with his regeneration technique?
Kabuto: Not quite... Keeping the regeneration technique up costs me a lot chakra as the binding seal is directly linked to me. So the more chakra I transfer, the stronger he gets... Besides, he seems to be beaten beyond worth fixing now.
Ryu: What do you mean??
Kabuto: He has done his part of the job, I don't really need him anymore.
Nobunaga: But he's a strong ally! Shouldn't we...
Kabuto: No... He was only meant as distraction at this point anyway... I won't be needing him anymore, so I might as well...
Kabuto then quickly formed some hand-seals as he shouted;
Kabuto: Release!
* This chapter is dedicated to my uncle, who passed away recently. May you rest in peace uncle, until we meet again.*
Next time, The Six Coffins?!
Author's Note: I have some things I want to share with you guys, and what a better time to do it than at the end of a chapter! I'll keep it brief, as it's just some minor announcements...
- First of all, I've finally set the ending of this FF in stones. Everything, almost down to the smallest of detail is now set, and all I need to do is to basically write the chapters down. However, as some might think, including myself for a long time, this FF seems to be drawing towards the end. I had planned for eight more chapters, then end it all and start fresh with something new, but as I've been doing some massive brainstorming lately and doing a bunch of notes, I've decided that there will actually be another sequel after this one. Yeah, you hear me right! But it will only be six chapters long, meaning that there will be 14 more chapters to go.
If you thought that was all, then you're wrong... I've actually decided to do a final twist on this series by doing a "short movie/one shot" of TLSoK, but what that will be about will remain secret for now. After I'm done with all this, it will basically be time for me to move on to my long shelved FF, "The Three Kingdoms" that I wrote the first chapter of, one and a half year ago. However, before I do that, I have one secret work that I'll be doing first, after I'm done with TLSoK series. A "new" FF that will be around 8-12 chapters long. It will be placed in the Naruto-verse, but I won't reveal quite yet what it's about and if it's connected to TLSoK or if it's something completely new.
I can give you a hint though, in form of an easy riddle; "You can see me if you look, but you won't catch me as I move. I'm closer than you think and you can spot me on this page... I'm hidden among pictures, but I'm certainly not standing still for too long at a time."
- Over to something else, I've heard some people say that the pictures I have in my avatar seem a bit random, as they don't connect with each other. I just wanted to say that each of these pictures represent something, but I won't tell what. I can reveal though that the first picture of "Hokage Naruto" represent TLSoK. Anyone can take a free guess what the three other pics represent if they like
The Legendary Sage of Konoha;
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
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Sasuke Chronicles;
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 7;
The Power of a God:
*ZuZuZu*
Emerging from the ground, 100 of yards away from the where the intense battle had taken place, Zetsu switched off his recording ability as the battle had finally come to an end.
Black Zetsu: ...
White Zetsu: He lost... But what an insane battle!
Black Zetsu: I don't think we'll be able to bring him back this time...
White Zetsu: So... what do we do now?
Black Zetsu: Find Kabuto...
*ZuZuZu*
[...]
A: A god?! What, are you crazy?!!
Onoki: You saw it yourself! Sasuke and Killerbee were both definitely dead, and Naruto brought them both back to life by his own hands... If you don't call that the power of a god, then I do not know how you define the term "god."
Still grasping Killerbee tightly, refusing to let go, A was baffled by Onoki and what he just said. A little further away from them, Kurotsuchi's feelings had completely taken over her mind and body, as she began making out intensely with Sasuke. Meanwhile, Tsunade and Sakura were urging Sasuke and Killerbee to take it easy, just to make sure that they were fully healed and back to normal.
A: I...
Gaara: Calm down both of you, this is no time to discuss such matters.
Mei: He's right, we need to get this situation under control...
Tsunade: Indeed, even if Tobi has been dealt with, there are still other concerns to take care off.
Mifune: Hmm...
Naruto: Kabuto...
The shinobi alliance had surrounded Sasuke and Killerbee, grateful for the two being still alive, as Naruto looked over and met eye contact with both of them. Naruto gave them a brief nod as they exchanged smiles, before he turned around and began walking a bit further away from the rest. He then eventually stopped on top of a cliff some 50 yards away, as he scanned the area in front of him. He looked down at his arms, still covered in his Bijou chakra, as his mind faded away into his own thoughts.
Naruto (In thoughts): 'Hmm... This Bijou form seems different... Why am I not able to turn it off? What is this power? Will I be able to control it? The Rinnegan??...'
As he was lost deep in his own thoughts, different flashbacks began circling through his head.
*Flashback Begins*
'Great Toad Sage: ...This man will tie past with future and become... complete...
Tobi: By gathering all the six paths, I will become the perfect being. What my father never took the opportunity to become... A god! I would be unstoppable and none would be able to resist me!
Sasuke: So merging all the bijous and restoring the Jubi, would mean that you would have one path... The last path, the final step in becoming the perfect being, as powerful as the Sage of Six Paths himself?!
Tobi: Exactly...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): ...The orbs represent the different paths... After the son of the Sage of Six Paths got destroyed, the paths that he had gathered transferred to you. And with me being the 6th path... you're now complete...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): The five other paths are... Senju... Uchiha... Uzumaki... Hyuga and finally... Rinnegan...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): Even if you have all the paths, you still have to naturally grasp them... meaning that someone without a pure body won't be able to control them all at once. Once you've naturally awakened all the paths within you, you will become... complete...
Jubi (Sinister Voice): You will need time to adapt to this new power... the power of the Jubi, and the power of the Sage of Six paths... until then...
Sasuke: I'm... alive?
Tsunade: What just happened? You just died?! Your heart had definitely stopped!
Sasuke: I... I... Don't know.
Shikamaru: When you placed your hands on Sasuke something happened! That must be it!
A: Brother?! You're alive!
Killerbee: What's happening? Where are we... I was... dead?
Shikamaru: I don't know how you pulled that off Naruto, but it seems like...
Onoki: He's become a god!
Great Toad Sage: Hmm... It's unclear, but this man will then meet several people from the past, people he knows... And together move on towards the future.
Great Toad Sage: Meeting those from the past will call upon an important choice by this man. Then...
Great Toad Sage: Uzumaki Naruto... You will bring upon the period of the Three Great Toad Sages.
Great Toad Sage: And you will be their spiritual guide towards...
Great Toad Sage: When the three new sages are ready, when your legacy is ready, you will be ready, Uzumaki Naruto. That is all...'
*Flashback Ends*
Naruto: I...
Unable to control his thoughts, Naruto ventured inside himself to seek out the Jubi for some more answers. Naruto slowly closed in on the cage, as he saw the Jubi curled up with his back turned towards him, seemingly sleeping.
Naruto: Jubi... What are you? What does this new power mean? The paths... Kurama... and the other beasts... are they?
Jubi: ...
Naruto: Hey, I'm talking to you!
Jubi: ...??
Naruto: Answer me!...
Jubi: I already told you...
Naruto: ?!...
Jubi: Adapting to this new power you now possess... will take time... Not only my power, but also the power of the other paths - the power of the Sage of Six Paths... the paths of the Rinnegan... All of this combined, you now posses the same power that the Sage of Six Paths once possessed... He too needed time to adapt, and he was the founding father of all jutsu... You are like him... The same... Full of courage, benevolence... the same crap that stinks of the word peace. If you really are his reincarnation, you should know what this means... And until you do... until you know how to fully grasp this new gained power... until you know right from wrong... what should be allowed, and what shouldn't... until you acquire the ability to lead on a new age, where power through peace means all... where only right and no wrong exists... the key to true, eternal peace... the way to teach and lead men... prevent evil thoughts... to achieve what the Sage of Six Paths himself couldn't... then, and only then, will you have my full cooperation... Until then...
Naruto: I... What does all this mean? Where do I begin?!
Jubi: ... The Sage of Six Paths acquired his true abilities after sealing me with his six legendary weapons... The Banana Palm Fan, the Crimson Gourd, the Amber Purifying Pot, the Golden Canopy Rope, the Seven Star Sword, and finally, the sixth and original tool - the tool to complete the collection of the Sage's legendary sacred tools, the treasure given to him by the mysterious wizard named Kabuto... The Staff of Fortune and Destiny, with the power to change time, space and fate.
Naruto: The wizard named Kabuto?
As the Jubi was telling Naruto about the past, something triggered his memory once he heard that name, something he remembered Tobi told Sasuke and himself right before the fighting began.
*Flashback Begins*
Tobi: In the Sage's early life, he was one day confronted by a wizard who referred to himself as "Kabuto". The name came from the wizard's mysterious helmet that hid his identity from the world. A wizard with mysterious might, yet to be discovered. The wizard bestowed upon the Sage a great book of teaching, and it's this book all of the Sage's knowledge and abilities comes from. The founding book of "Jutsu". The wizard was never heard from or seen after that...
*Flashback Ends*
Naruto: So you're saying that, not only did this wizard bestow upon the Sage of Six Paths the Founding Book of Jutsu, but also these six legendary tools??
Jubi: Not entirely true, but close... So you know of the Founding Book of Jutsu?... Interesting... For you to better grasp what I'm talking about, I should start from the beginning... It was from this that the Sage studied and learned how to naturally grasp chakra. Before that, he was just a monk... a normal and mortal human being. As you might already understand, he had the same name you posses... The Sage, Uzumaki Naruto, was born in a time of chaos and war, where samurai tribes where battling for control over the land. These battles had gone on for ages and ages without stop... War between different clans and empires... The Sage grew up in a family whom were distanced from the battlefield, living in a small hut up in the mountain. It wasn't until he was 15 years old that his whole family was slaughtered by the local Oda clan, blamed for spying on them and reporting to their rival enemies. The Sage escaped and found shelter in a neighbor chapel. Here, he underwent studies of the old, ancient gods of the past, the creators of the earth. His sect was founded on values of benevolence and peace. They spread their teachings across the land, encouraging several tribes and clans to turn to peace, and not war. The Oda clan, being the most powerful of them all, quickly found out of this and ordered their most skilled warriors to eliminate the whole sect. There were only two survivors. The Sage... and his future wife. They sought refugee with the Sanada clan, where they spent their next ten years as the clan slowly, but steadily, got weaker and smaller. During his time here, the Sage one day came across the Legendary Sword in the ruins of an old temple, after venturing through a dark hallway, leading into a magical place... a pond, surrounded by rocks on all sides.
Naruto: The Legendary sword?
Jubi: Yes... Formerly known as The Goddess Sword... This timeless place was surrounded with miles and miles of dessert and wasteland on all sides and the Sage came here after being told that he was chosen to find the sword in a dream. The sword was stuck in something called the Pedestal of...
Naruto: Yeah?
Jubi: ...I'll tell you more about it another time, as it's not important right now.
Naruto: ...
Jubi: At the age of 28, the Sage one day ventured up into the local mountains, and it was there he met the wizard. The Wizard asked him what he really sought to do with his life, what his true path and goals would be, if granted the power to seek them. The Sage replied that he wanted to end the ever-lasting, never-ending war, that had gone on for ages, and create peace and harmony throughout the land. The Wizard told him that he could grant him powers to achieve that, but that he would have to use these powers for that purpose and that purpose alone, or the land would be cursed forever to witness war, death and cruelty in a never ending circle of hate. The Wizard gave him two crucial items... The Founding Book of Jutsu, and the Staff of Fortune and Destiny. With the book, he would be able to access and acquire god like powers, and with the staff, he would be able to change fate and destiny, and create anything he wanted. With it, the Sage created the five other treasured tools later in his life...
Naruto: I see...
Jubi: After studying the book for the whole night, the Sage woke up the next morning with a feeling he never had felt before... He had gained the affinity for chakra and all that comes with it. Amazed by this, the Sage hurried back home to tell his wife what he had witnessed... As he got closer and closer to the small town, he noticed flames and chaos everywhere... The Sanada clan had been attacked while he was gone, and every member of it had been slain. The Sage found countless of slain friends and allies all across town, and the sky had turned red because of all the blood spilled... It was then that he found what he had hoped he would not find...
Naruto: ?!
Jubi: His wife, dead on the ground... He took her close to his chest as he cried heavily... But, he was not able to grieve for long, as the samurai warriors that had slain the clan were still close, and they had heard his cries and agony as they quickly surrounded him...
Naruto: !!
Jubi: It was then that the Sage got up on his feet and used the very first ninja technique to ever have existed, which later became known as ninjutsu... With it, he quickly wiped out all of the assassins. He then utilized the Staff of Fortune and Destiny to change the fate of the Sanada clan, bringing them all back to life, including his wife...
Naruto: ...
Jubi: There was, however, one samurai assassin whom survived, as he fled the scene to report back to the leader of the Oda clan... As the leader got informed of the incident and the miracles that followed, he quickly gathered his armies to wipe out this new threat. The Sage, through quick persuasion, managed to gather all the other clans together, to fight the Oda clan in one final battle... The battle was long and hard, but the Sage and the other clans stood triumphant as the leader of the Oda clan and the members of it perished... It was then, some years later, that the Sage created the five other treasured tools with the Staff of Fortune and Destiny, and with it, the curse was also placed upon the land...
Naruto: What?!
Jubi: Not long after, I, the Monster of Earth, Sea and Heaven, the Jubi, was unleashed. Unlike now, I did not have a conscience back then, and I was just a mindless beast, seeking destruction...
Naruto: A curse? So you're saying that this sole incident is the reason for the never ending hate and war? But how? And where did you come from?
Jubi: I do not have access to such information... but I have a feeling it was from the curse... the curse that would be placed upon the land if the Sage used his powers for anything else than stopping the war and creating peace... The Sage, being the only one who could prevent the destruction of the earth, used his Six Treasured Tools and the Legendary Sword, as well as the knowledge and skills he had learned from the Founding Book of Jutsu, to oppose me... but... he quickly realized that there was no stopping me if he wasn't willing to put his own body at risk... That's when he sealed me inside himself, and gained access to my powers... The Sage had a strong body and a massive chakra source, enabling him to keep me sealed inside himself and to use his powerful tools. After he sealed me away, he had access to all my powers... and then, he was complete... He used this new abilities to create peace and stability throughout the land, in a time of chaos... Not through power, but through guidance... After sealing me, his eyes changed into what is now known as the Rinnegan... The same eyes you now posses... With them, he created the seven paths of the Rinnegan... I'm sure you already know of these seven paths from before?... The Deva Path, the Asura Path, the Human Path, the Animal Path, the Preta Path, the Naraka Path, and finally, the Outer Path... On his death bed, the Sage did one crucial thing...
Naruto: ??...
Jubi: He divided his powers into six paths... Senju and Uzumaki, possessing the body, spirit, chakra and will of the Sage, Uchiha and Hyuga, possessing the eye-powers, the raw strength and the ingenious mind of the Sage, the nine beasts, possessing the power of me, and the Rinnegan, possessing the power of the 7 paths of other dimensions... Shortly after he defeated me, his first son was born. Three year later, his second son, and two years after that, his daughter... But the birth of his daughter was not without complications, as his wife died during it.
Naruto: ?!
Jubi: In fear of another curse being cast upon the land, the Sage choose not to use his powers to bring his wife back from the dead for a second time. This made his oldest son furious, which again was the first incident that eventually lead to his hatred towards anyone and anything.
Naruto: So the Sage got the Founding Book of Jutsu and the Staff of Fortune and Destiny from the mysterious wizard, and after he sealed you inside himself, he gained access to your powers, as well as the power of the Rinnegan...
Jubi: Exactly.
Naruto: So where does the other four paths come from? Where and when did the Sage acquire them?
Jubi: You still don't get it, do you?
Naruto: ?
Jubi: Those paths were created by him when he divided his powers into six different paths - each path belonging to a different clan. His two sons acquired one path each by birth, but it wasn't before long after that, that the different paths were named after the different clans... It wasn't as much as each clan being a path, but more of the power that each of them inherited... the legacy of the Sage of Six Paths... After he was "completed," he learned to control the elements and grasp his new powers. Like I said before, this took a lot of time, so don't expect to be able to use all of this new powers in no time... For now, you can forget using the seven paths of the Rinnegan, but it should still have greatly enhanced your vision...
Naruto: I see... So how do you know all of this? Wasn't this after your time, after you were... split into nine parts?
Jubi: The Sage must have stored some of his knowledge in me, and the moment I got fully restored, the memory of all the other beasts merged with me...
Naruto: Hmm...
Jubi: That's all I have to say for now... Once you're ready to begin training to control and grasp these new powers, we will talk again.
Naruto: Wait... What about the other beasts?? Are they still... alive?...
Jubi: The time for talk is over... I have nothing more to say to you for now...
Naruto: Just answer this one question, that's all I ask...
Jubi: ...Yes...
Naruto: !!
Jubi: I can feel their souls inside me, co-existing as one being... This is a feeling that is new to me...
Naruto: ?! Will I be able to communicate with them?
Jubi: If you've been paying attention to anything I said, you know that time is everything... one step at a time... Do you know the key to peace? True...ever-lasting...peace?...
Naruto: I...
Jubi: The key to peace... those were the dying words of the Sage of Six Paths... before he passed on his will to his sons and split me into nine beasts. To rule through Power, or to rule through Peace... The never ending battle between Senju and Uchiha...
Naruto: ...
Jubi: When you are ready... When you have an answer to give... a solution to solve the question of ages... come seek me out again...
Naruto: But...
Jubi: ...
Naruto: I...
Still pressing the Jubi for answers, Naruto knew that he wouldn't get any more out of him at this point, as the Jubi turned around again, in his cage, and went back to sleep. Naruto returned back to reality, as he intertwined his arms together and scouted down the hill he was standing on top off. As he looked down, with his newly gained Bijou mode still intact, he heard footsteps approaching from behind, as two hands landed on each of his shoulders. A smile formed on his face, as Sasuke and Killerbee came into view - Sasuke to his left, Killerbee to his right.
Naruto: Are you guys okay?
Sasuke: Yeah, somewhat...
Killerbee: I feel like shit, but I'll manage... I was definitely dead for some time, and it would be great to have some lime...
Sasuke: I feel restored, as if I never used any chakra or energy in this war...
Killerbee: Yeah... I'm back alright! But what did I miss? Seems like you gave Tobi some diss... And you've changed bro...
Naruto: Heh... Not entirely alone as you might have figured out. Sasuke did some major helping too... It's a long story, I'll tell you all about it later.
From behind them, you could see more people closing in.
Shikamaru: What are your thoughts right now Naruto? Thinking up a strategy on how to deal with Kabuto?
A powerful wind blew across the battlefield, as Naruto's hair and cape slowly swung back and forth through it. Over to their right, the gigantic crater, caused by Naruto's Super Nova element earlier, shot lava in all directions, as rocks and boulders crumbled around the edges of it. Naruto looked up to the skies, still with his arms crossed, as some birds flew by, and into the woods ahead off them. Lightning bolts struck to the ground, causing one of the trees to catch fire, as a naturalistic feeling roamed across the field. Everything around Naruto was changed, he could see things he never had before, things he didn't knew existed. Still puzzled about what the Jubi said, what these new powers meant, Naruto responded.
Naruto: ...I thought you were the one to take care of the strategies around here Shikamaru... That's why you're my adviser after all... Heh, but yeah, we need to locate Kabuto and deal with him so that we all can go home with peace in our hearts...
As more and more people came closer to them, a low chatter began spreading through the army; some talking about Naruto, Sasuke and Killerbee, others about the wounded, the causalities and how to coupe with the current situation.
Konohamaru: Whatever it is that you have on your mind, we probably need to think fast.
Shikaku: He's right, every second we lose discussing things over here, the more time we risk wasting in our search for Kabuto.
Naruto: We should probably set up a perimeter here, and divide our army into several search groups...
A: Right! We'll have the main base here, and just like before, we'll set up a com-link network to keep in touch.
Gaara: Sounds like a plan.
Onoki: Inoichi... If you would be so kind?
Inoichi: Right!
Naruto: ...I know everyone is tired, but it's almost over now... Only one treat remains, and once we've dealt with it, we can go back to live our lives again, without fear of another war breaking out for a long time. I know some of you are sad, because you have lost friends and family members, while others are happy to see their friends still alive... There will be plenty of time to catch up and cry for the lost later, now we'll have to finish this, once and for all!
Everyone: Yeah!!
Naruto: Right son?
Jiraiya: Hah, I'll try not to fall behind you dad!
Naruto: Hinata, how are you?
Hinata: I'm alright... as long as you are...
Rubbing his son's long hair, and holding around his wife for a few seconds, Naruto looked over at Sasuke as he saw that he also was surrounded by friends and family; especially Kurotsuchi, whom almost refused to let go off him. He gave him a nod, as Sasuke turned around and went over to Onoki to start preparing things. Naruto then looked over at Killerbee, whom nodded back at him as he went over to A and the rest. Naruto slowly gazed at the sky once more, as he saw that some of the clouds had began clearing causing several stars to come into view. He then turned around as well and walked over to the others.
Naruto (In thoughts): 'Seems like the sun will be up within the next three hours...'
Naruto: Alright everyone, let's sort this out.
Spreading words of comfort and lifting the army's spirit, Naruto sent the moral skyrocketing as the alliance started dividing tasks and began setting things in motion. However, before they had managed to properly begin planing stuff, Naruto sensed someone approaching at rapid speed, as he turned around and looked towards the forest once more. Out of it, came a dark shadow, as it came running straight towards them.
?: Mizukage-Sama!!!
Mei: Ao?!
Ao: *Pant, Pant*
Mei: Where have you been for the past days?! And what have happened to you, and where is Chojuro??
Ao: *Pant, huff* Chojuro... *Pant* We got attacked... by Kabuto... when tracking down a spy whom infiltrated Kiri, during the chaos of the attacks of the six isles of Kiri, a couple of days ago, when Akatsuki returned. *Pant* Chojuro.... he... I...
Mei: What?! Is he?...
Realizing what Ao was talking about, Mei was shocked to hear the devastating news, as she fell to her knees, crying heavily. Tsunade sat down beside her, trying to comfort her.
Ao: ... There was nothing I could do to save him... I'm sorry, Mizukage-Sama... I've failed you...
Mei: Chojuro... oh god no... H-e... he... ever since my late husband died, Chojuro has been like a stepfather to our daughter... Ho-w.. could this have happened?!
Ao: Chojuro and I found out about the spy and tracked him down to the outskirts of Kiri during the chaos. After a long battle, we were just about to reveal his identity, when Kabuto suddenly appeared from out of nowhere and joined the battle... Kabuto reveal what was going to happen as it wouldn't matter if he told us or not... We wouldn't survive and make it back in time anyhow... Judging by how things look around here, it seems like I was too late... Kabuto... Kabuto killed Chojuro and stole Hiramekarei... I was just lucky to make it out of there alive. We must strengthen the Seven Legendary Swords of the Mist's weapon chamber at once! Kabuto is definitely up to something...
Mei: I... It's... They were all stolen during the chaos of the battle.
Ao: It can't be?! What is Kabuto scheming with the Seven Legendary Swords??
As discussion broke out due to the latest report by Ao, he remembered back to what happened earlier, as he was trying to figure out just what had gone down.
*Flashback Begins*
Ao: It can't be!
In the outskirt of Kiri, Ao had just woken up after passing out on an intense battle. He was buried under a large pile of fallen trees and once he got up, he looked around with his Byakugan to navigate. A view of a scene where a huge battle had taken place met his eyes as he looked high and low scanning the area, when suddenly a terrible sight met him.
Ao: Chojuro!
Ao spotted Chojuro being trapped under a huge rock. Only his chest and upwards was seen, while the rest was covered by the rock.
Chojuro: Ao... I'm so-rr...y... I wasn't strong enough.
Ao: Don't speak, save your strength.
Ao (In Thoughts): 'Why would we suddenly be attacked by no other than Kabuto himself? How did he know we were tracking down a Kiri spy who infiltrated our village one day ago?'
Chojuro: Is... it ba-d?
Ao: Don't worry, you're going to be fine!
Chojuro: I can't fe-el my le.....gs.. I can't feel my.... low...e-r bo-dy at a...ll...
Half of Chojuro's body was crushed beneath the rock and his life was beginning to slip through Ao's fingers.
Chojuro: Hiramekarei... it's gone... he to....oo....oo-ke... it.
Ao (In Thoughts): '!! Kabuto stole the sword?! Is he after the Seven Legendary Swords? I must warn Kiri so that we can strengthen the Weapon Chamber's security!'
Chojuro: I.... I... Ao... Thi..s is... my end... I can.. .fe-el it...
Ao: Don't say that, you can't give up!
Tears began to stream down Ao's cheeks as he tried to convince Chojuro that he would survive.
Chojuro: You... got... to prom...i..s-e me something...
Ao: Anything, just name it!
Chojuro: Mizukage-Sama... te-ll Mei I'm so..rr..r.rry I couldn't be as strong.... as her... tell her... I'm so...rr...y I couldn't... tell... her how... I felt...how my feelings for her... true-ly wh....ere... I always... wanted to... tell... her... th...at I ... lo...o...ov..-ed her, but.. I never da...red to... tell ... he...r.... the.. truth...
Ao: I will, don't worry about it.
Chojuro: Ao... you... al....wa.....y-s w...er....e.... my... best.. f-ri..en...d....................
Ao: Chojuro!!
With a final gasp, Chojuro passed away.
Ao: Nooooo...ooo! I will get you for this Kabuto!
*Flashback Ends*
Gaara: If what you just said is really true, then the situation has got even worse.
Tsunade: If Kabuto has stolen the Seven Legendary Swords of the Mist, he might pose even more of a threat than before. Anyone who has all the weapons combined, will be very dangerous... And Ao... What do you mean by spy? Is it the same spy who bombed the meeting earlier?
Ao: I don't know... All that I know comes from what Kabuto told me.
Tsunade: There was a spy dressed as a Kiri guard at the kage meeting... He brought a bomb of some sort, which blew up the Mizukage mansion. After that, the fighting broke out...
Ao: Mei... Chojuro... he really did love you, even after all these years... His death wish... hi-s final... words... I promised him I would tell you how he felt... as he never... dared himself.
Struggling to fight their tears, several shinobi from the Mist cried at the lost of Chojuro as Mei was too devastated to come up with a reply. One who were more interested in finding a certain someone however, slowly walked up to Sasuke and whispered something into his ear.
Jugo (Whispers): Sasuke... I've been meaning to ask you ever since I arrived here, but as you know... certain circumstances has kept me from asking you... Have you seen Suigetsu anywhere?
Sasuke (Whispers): No, why? I haven't seen him since before I came here. Quite frankly, I didn't even think that you would come here.
Jugo (Whispers): I don't know... He just disappeared a few days ago, right after you left for the meeting. He didn't even say a word about it, and that's not like him...
Sasuke (Whispers): He's probably taking care of his own business... Suigetsu never was the dedicated one after all.
Jugo (Whispers): I don't know... I just have a strange feeling about all this... Something feels wrong.
Sasuke (Whispers): Don't worry too much, we'll find him after we've dealt with Kabuto. You can question him all you like about his carefree attitude then.
Jugo (Whispers): Hmm... Guess you're right.
Mei: Ao... Chojuro's... Chojuro's... We need to...
Ao: I know.
Tsunade: I'll come with you. We'll retrieve his body as well as taking care of the dead.
A: Fine. Onoki, Shikaku, Inoichi, Konohamaru, Mifune and myself will set up headquarter here. Mei and Tsunade, you will be in charge of taking care of the casualties and getting things back on track.
Naruto: Then I'll take Sasuke, Killerbee, Gaara and a larger portion of the main army and track down Kabuto... We need to end this once and for all.
A: Right. You guys know what to do.
Naruto: We will first head to the north part of Kiri, as that's where the last known position of Kakashi and Gai are, and they were chasing Akashi whom were retreating with Kabuto. Our best chances on finding him will be by focusing our search perimeter up there. Then we'll... wait...
A: What is it?
Naruto: I can sense something approaching us.
Gaara: From where?!
Naruto: It's... Pakkun?!
Tsunade: ?!
Naruto: Over there!
Naruto quickly turned around and ran up the mountain he had stood on top off earlier. It was then that he saw a small figure approaching them at slow speed, as Naruto quickly teleported towards him, and the rest quickly followed.
Naruto: Pakkun?! What are you doing here??
Pakkun: *Pant, Pant, Pant* I came as fast as my legs could carry me... Kakashi... Kakashi sent me... He and Gai was just about to face off against a vicious foe, and Kakashi told me to find you as quickly as I could.
Naruto: Can you take me there?
Pakkun: Yes... *Pant* I'll lead you there.
Naruto: I know a faster way. Just tell me the coordinates and I'll teleport the two of us over there.
Pakkun: Right. Here, take this.
As Pakkun showed Naruto the coordinates, the rest quickly arrived. Naruto then stood up, as he picked Pakkun up from the ground and placed him on top of his head, before he addressed the rest.
Naruto: I know where Kakashi and Gai is... They are locked in a battle with Akashi, and they were chasing down Kabuto right before that. If I teleport Pakkun and myself over there, we'll have a better chance of making it in time.
Sasuke: But, you can't go alone! You'll need backup, no matter how strong you've become now.
Gaara: He's right!
Killerbee: Actually... It would be better if Naruto went ahead, or else the two of them might end up dead.
Naruto: Alright, I'll take two people with me. Here's the coordinates to their location... Kakashi wrote it down on this piece of paper before he sent Pakkun off. If I teleport there first, you guys can arrive afterwards to help out. Even with this new power, my limit of transporting living beings with me is still three, so I'll also take Sasuke and... Kill-...
Sakura: Wait! Take me too! You'll need a medical ninja, just in case.
Naruto: ...Right, then let's go. You people know what to do.
Gaara: Sounds like a plan... We'll come as fast as we can.
Sasuke and Sakura gathered around Naruto as Pakkun was seated on top his head. In a blink of the eye, the four of them were gone in a flash.
[...]
Gai: Kakashi!!!
Kakashi: Ugh!!
Gai: Hang on!
Locked in an intense battle with Akashi, which had gone on for God knows how long, Kakashi had taken some serious damage as Gai were completely exhausted as well. Akashi on the other hand seemed to have some sort of healing powers because of his curse-binding seal, and showed almost no signs of fatigue as his chakra was constantly restoring itself.
Gai: Kakashi, your eye?!
Kakashi: Ugh... I-ll... mana-ge... It's not the first eye I lose...
Akashi: Is that all the two of you got?!! Come on! Take this!
Gai: Shit!
Akashi unleashed a combination of Kaiten and Grand Fireball Technique as Gai managed to lift the wounded Kakashi up from the ground and swiftly carry him behind the cover of a large rock, just in time as several fireballs went bombarding against them.
Akashi: Hah, how are you going to manage without your sharingan Kakashi?? It's all you got after all! Without it, you'll be nothing! You hear me?! Nothing!! You'll probably even bleed to death before I give you the final blow... Your friend here is all that is standing between me and victory... You guys might as well just give up already, Ahahaha... mohahahaha!!
Gai: Damn it... Damn it all! Kakashi, are you alright?! I mean, your eye?!
Kakashi: I said I'm fine... this eye didn't belong to me in the first place. I can still fight, even without it!
Kakashi ripped off a piece of his clothing as he tied it around his shattered eye. Gai then handed him his headband as Kakashi tied it around his arm.
Gai: What should we do? There seems to be no stopping this guy...
Kakashi: We can't give up... not now, not like this! There are two many people counting on us. We are the Two Legendary Fangs of Konoha after all, we just can't!
Gai: But you're badly hurt... I don't know how long we can keep this up without backup. His binding seal seems to be some sort of and advanced stage of Orochimaru's curse mark... He keeps regenerating every time we fatally wounds him.
Kakashi: We need to do something drastic... We need to injure him so badly that he can't regenerate no more. We need to stop that binding seal!
Gai: But how? We would have to empty him of all his chakra, and even that has a dim chance of working. What's worse is that the way that will most likely succeed is to stop Kabuto himself and force him to release the binding seal.
Kakashi: If I only could use my Kamui one more time... Kabuto has probably injected some Hashirama cells into this guy as well.
Gai: *Pant* There seems to be no other way... This guy is like a mini Sage of Six Paths, power wise... We have to deal with him fast, before it's too late... There is no other way...
Kakashi: Gai, you aren't thinking what I think you are?! You can't, it will kill you for sure!
Gai: The current situation gives us little choice. If this works out, at least you'll get out of here alive.
Kakashi: Just hang on a minute, you can't do this!!
Gai: I have to... I'm sorry Kakashi.
Akashi: Are the two of you done chattering behind there? Do I need to break that rock in half, or are you ready to come out now?! Hah, maybe you two just laid down to die back there.
Seeing no other way out of the sticky situation, Gai got up as Kakashi was struggling to stay seated up against the rock, trying to convince Gai not to pull through with what he was just about to do. Gai stepped out from behind the rock, and slowly walked up towards Akashi. Massive green and blue chakra emerge from him, as the ground started cracking around him, causing rocks to split and fly in all directions.
Akashi: This is something different... What magic trick do you have up your sleeve now?
Not getting caught off guard, but rather the opposite, massive red chakra began emerging from Akashi as he readied himself for Gai.
Gai: 6th Gate, Gate of View - Open!
Akashi: Here he comes...
Almost at the speed of light, Gai disappeared as he clashed with Akashi. Catching him by surprise however, was the fact that Akashi was actually able to stand his ground and keep up to his speed.
Gai: Impossible?! How can you keep up with this?? Do you also know the gates?!
Akashi: With this power, comes many benefits...
Gai: This leaves me no choice then...
As the two of them were quickly exchanging blows, Gai then suddenly got the upper hand as he punched Akashi right to his cheek, sending him flying on his back. But before he was able to land, Gai appeared below him, sending him flying up in the air.
Gai: Take this, Mourning Peacock!
Akashi: Ugh!!
Gai dealt massive damage to Akashi as he was moving too fast for him to respond and keep up with anymore. After several direct hits, Gai sent Akashi flying even higher up in the air, as he followed up with another attack, appearing above him in the air.
Gai: 7th Gate, Gate of Wonder - Open! Afternoon Tiger!
Akashi: It... can't... be??
It was a direct hit as Akashi went crashing down toward the ground, causing a huge crater to appear below him. Gai landed safely on his feet as he was breathing heavily, still covered in his 8 Gate Mode.
Gai: !!
Akashi: Not so fast!
Gai: Ugh! When?!
In matter of seconds, Gai was kicked hard from the front, barely managing to get up a guard as he was send backwards, with his feet firmly planted towards the ground.
Akashi: You shouldn't be so fast attacking people... especially when you've lost track of them for some minutes... I guess it can't be helped now that Kakashi has lost his sharingan...
Gai: Shadow Clone?! So you pulled one off when we were still in the cover behind the rock... I see... I should have been more careful. But! I won't make the same mistake twice!
Akashi: ?!
Gai then suddenly picked up his speed, and moved so quickly that the image of him standing in front of Akashi was still there the moment Gai hit him dead on, sending him flying into a tree.
Akashi: Ugh!
Gai: There is more to the Gate of Wonder than what meets the eye, *pant* I figure it's time I tested out this next technique. A technique I've only used once in my life...
Akashi: !!
Quickly standing back up on his feet, Akashi watched as he saw Gai crossing his arms in front of him as even more energy erupted from him.
Akashi: *Pant* Now what?
Gai: Take this! Evening Phoenix!
Gai quickly punched his palms towards the ground as Akashi watched quietly, anticipating the next move. But to his surprise, it seemed like nothing happened.
Akashi: What? Did it fail? Nothing happened!
Gai: This was the technique I was going to one day beat Kakashi with... Not even the Sharingan nor the Byakugan would be able to see this attack.
Akashi: Hah, you're just full of sh-?!
Gai: Got you!
From beneath Akashi, the ground suddenly cracked as a large phoenix came out of it and grabbed Akashi by the tip of its peck, sending him far up in the air, before sending him back and forth in such a fast motion that the regular eye wouldn't be able to see what happened. As the attack ended, the phoenix vanished as Akashi went flying to the ground.
Gai: And finally... *Pant* I will end this now, with this final attack.
Kakashi: Wait!!! Gai, you can't do this! Don'-t!
Blood started dripping from the side of Gai's mouth and down his cheek as Kakashi was crawling towards him, trying to reach him in time.
Gai: 8th Gate, Gate of Death - Open!!!
Akashi: Wh-at?! It... Can't...
Gai: Midnight Dragon!
Four gigantic dragons came out of Gai's palms, one red, one green, one blue and one yellow, as the four of them crashed into Akashi in mid air and almost teared him apart in the progress. They finally then sent him up in the air again as they appeared above him and merged into one god like dragon, covered in the colors of the rainbow. It crashed into Akashi and sent him fast towards the ground, giving away a bright light, which then quickly retracted again, as a energy like explosion appeared the moment Akashi hit the ground. Gai fell to his knees, as he toppled over with a grind on his face.
Kakashi: No!!!
Kakashi gathered some final strength as he crawled over to Gai and reached out for him, holding him in his arms.
Kakashi: It can't be... why did you have to push it this far?!
Not being able to get any signs of life from Gai, Kakashi then noticed that Akashi, who were lying on the ground some couple of yards away, was moving his index finger slowly, as if rebooting and restoring himself from Gai's attacks. He wasn't able to move the rest of his body though, as his head was lying on the side, facing towards Kakashi and Gai.
Akashi: This... Is... Not... The... End... Once my body restores itself, you'll be next.
Kakashi: Damn it... Why is there no stopping you?! You should have been dead long time ago!! No matter what Kabuto did to you, you shouldn't be alive!
Crying heavily, holding Gai close to him, Kakashi watched as Akashi was slowly regenerating right beside him.
[...]
Ryu: Well this was rather easy...
Nobunaga: I thought this Masashi kid and that old fool would be able to do more than this... How disappointing.
Kabuto: It's done... There was nothing they could have done to stop us... Tobi has always been the only one standing between me and them, ever since I joined up with him. Now with the two of them gone, and Tobi locked in a battle with Naruto and Sasuke, this should be over soon.
Ryu: What is it that you're looking for anyways? What's so special about this cave?
Kabuto: You will have to wait and see...
Nobunaga: This is no ordinary cave is it... This is some sort of a hideout I bet.
Kabuto: To think that we've come this far... I remember when I recruited the two of you and Akashi... feels like forever...
Ryu: Well it was shortly after the 4th Great Ninja war... so it's already been over 12 years...
Kabuto: Recruiting you two was easy... Akashi on the other hand... I had to force him to join me. If I hadn't put that binding seal on him, I doubt I would ever be able to come this far...
Nobunaga: Yeah, and we had to knock him out and drag him with us to your lair...
Kabuto, Ryu and Nobunaga had arrived at their location as the dead bodies of Masashi and the real Tobi lied dead on the ground. As they were walking deeper into the cave-like hideout, Kabuto suddenly noticed something that gave him a feeling of satisfaction.
Kabuto: *Smirk* Seems like... Naruto and Sasuke succeeded...
Ryu: What do you mean?
Kabuto: The barrier has been broken... This can only mean that one of the sides has won... I bet it's them.
Ryu: Why not Tobi? He could have won as well...
Kabuto: Let's just say that I have a hunch about it...
Nobunaga: Speaking of hunches... I got a feeling we've been here before...
Kabuto: That's right... The first time you met with Tobi... this was the place. Besides, this place looks extraordinary much like Orochimaru-Sama's old hideouts...
Ryu: Hmm...
Kabuto: ...You... So you've come.
?: That was the plan after all...
Ryu: So the spy decided to show up... Interesting.
Nobunaga: Be quiet Ryu.
Kabuto: Nice job setting off that bomb at the kage meeting... Did you get what you came for??
Spy: After we took the Hiramekarei from Chojuro, stealing the other six legendary swords was easy during the chaos.
Kabuto: Good... Guess this ends our deal then.
Spy: Not quite...
Kabuto: What do you mean?
Spy: I know you are scheming something good here... Whatever it is, I want part of it.
Kabuto: In exchange for what?
Spy: I'll help you out when the battle begins again... Besides, I do need to test the power of the seven swords after all!
Kabuto: Fine...
Spy: Why the distant look on your face?
Kabuto: It's something else... Akashi.
Ryu: What, has he won already?
Kabuto: No... seems more like he's been beaten.
Nobunaga: Oh really?? I thought he was unbeatable with his regeneration technique?
Kabuto: Not quite... Keeping the regeneration technique up costs me a lot chakra as the binding seal is directly linked to me. So the more chakra I transfer, the stronger he gets... Besides, he seems to be beaten beyond worth fixing now.
Ryu: What do you mean??
Kabuto: He has done his part of the job, I don't really need him anymore.
Nobunaga: But he's a strong ally! Shouldn't we...
Kabuto: No... He was only meant as distraction at this point anyway... I won't be needing him anymore, so I might as well...
Kabuto then quickly formed some hand-seals as he shouted;
Kabuto: Release!
~ End of Chapter 7
* This chapter is dedicated to my uncle, who passed away recently. May you rest in peace uncle, until we meet again.*
Next time, The Six Coffins?!
Author's Note: I have some things I want to share with you guys, and what a better time to do it than at the end of a chapter! I'll keep it brief, as it's just some minor announcements...
- First of all, I've finally set the ending of this FF in stones. Everything, almost down to the smallest of detail is now set, and all I need to do is to basically write the chapters down. However, as some might think, including myself for a long time, this FF seems to be drawing towards the end. I had planned for eight more chapters, then end it all and start fresh with something new, but as I've been doing some massive brainstorming lately and doing a bunch of notes, I've decided that there will actually be another sequel after this one. Yeah, you hear me right! But it will only be six chapters long, meaning that there will be 14 more chapters to go.
If you thought that was all, then you're wrong... I've actually decided to do a final twist on this series by doing a "short movie/one shot" of TLSoK, but what that will be about will remain secret for now. After I'm done with all this, it will basically be time for me to move on to my long shelved FF, "The Three Kingdoms" that I wrote the first chapter of, one and a half year ago. However, before I do that, I have one secret work that I'll be doing first, after I'm done with TLSoK series. A "new" FF that will be around 8-12 chapters long. It will be placed in the Naruto-verse, but I won't reveal quite yet what it's about and if it's connected to TLSoK or if it's something completely new.
I can give you a hint though, in form of an easy riddle; "You can see me if you look, but you won't catch me as I move. I'm closer than you think and you can spot me on this page... I'm hidden among pictures, but I'm certainly not standing still for too long at a time."
- Over to something else, I've heard some people say that the pictures I have in my avatar seem a bit random, as they don't connect with each other. I just wanted to say that each of these pictures represent something, but I won't tell what. I can reveal though that the first picture of "Hokage Naruto" represent TLSoK. Anyone can take a free guess what the three other pics represent if they like
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But fear not, chapter 9 is actually less than half this size, so I'll hopefully be able to release some shorter chapters with chapter 9 and those after