The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
Note Before Reading: Due to extensive use of different characters in this chapter, some color-codes on characters might have mixed up between some of them, and as far as I can see, Kakashi and Sasuke have the same one. Luckily, they don't interact for too much of this chapter, so I didn't think that it needed to be fixed. Another thing, if you don't like big chapter, you better press the exit button right now, as this, is probably the biggest stand-alone chapter (not counting RokuNR's Bleach movie) NB has ever seen O_O
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 8;
Still crying over Gai's death, Kakashi was barely able to move as he tried to come up with something to do. He looked over at Akashi whom had finally, after about sixteen minutes knocked-out on the ground, been able to get back on his knees as he was panting heavily. He then looked over at Kakashi with an evil intent as he pushed himself and managed to get back up on his feet.
Kakashi: There's... no way?! Your body... your body should ha-ve...
Akashi: Seems like you're about to join your friend now, brother! Mohaha, ahahaha!
Akashi slowly walked towards Kakashi, pushing one foot forward at a time, and Kakashi, who tried to get up as well, quickly realized that he had nothing else to go on, that he was totally drained for chakra, as he fell over on his back again.
Kakashi: Damn...it...
Akashi: You're mine now!
Kakashi began crawling backwards as Akashi got closer and closer, limping towards him. He had almost reached him when Kakashi noticed he couldn't get any further backwards as he quickly turned around and saw the large rock from before, blocking his way.
Kakashi: Sh-...it...
Akashi: This is it!
Akashi drew forth a kunai from his pocket, as he readied himself to strike at Kakashi. He lifted it high up in the air as he was just about to strike at him, as Kakashi, whom were unable to do anything, closed his eye, awaiting the final blow.
Kakashi: Minato... Jiraiya... Hiruzen... I have failed you... I guess I wasn't able to reach your level of greatness... Gai...Obito...Rin...I will join you now... Naruto... Sasuke... Sakura... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I wasn't able to keep my promise after all Naruto...
A tear streamed down Kakashi's chin as he remembered back to the old days when he promised Naruto during the last war that he would not go down in battle, no matter what, and that they would grow old together and reminisce the past when everything had come to an end, and people was at peace.
Akashi: Die!!!
Kakashi: ...
?/?: Rasengan!!/Chidori!!
Akashi: What th-?!... Ugh!
Right at the moment when Akashi was just about to give Kakashi the final blow, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Pakkun appeared right in between them as Naruto and Sasuke quickly fired up their trademark techniques, hitting Akashi dead on and sending him flying on his back, several yards away. The smoke from their appearance slowly settled as Naruto stretched his arm out and pointed his finger on Akashi as he shouted at him.
Naruto: You will not lay another finger on our sensei! You hear that, you scum?!!
Kakashi: You... guy-s...
Sakura: Don't worry, we're here now.
Pakkun: Just as promised!
Kakashi: Thank god you made...it... Pakkun. If not, I would have been dead... But... Gai...he...
Naruto: Don't worry about Gai... I'll fix him once I'm done with this guy!
Kakashi: What do you mean??... And what have happened... to you??
Sasuke: Rest, Kakashi sensei, we'll tell you all about it later. Now, you'll need to take it easy while Naruto and I deal with this.
Kakashi: Right...
Naruto and Sasuke stood in front of Kakashi, whom where lying on the ground up against a large rock, getting treatment from Sakura, as they stared intensely in Akashi's direction, anticipating his next move.
Sakura: Kakashi sensei, what happened to your eye?! You're badly injured, and you're still bleeding!
Kakashi: Ugh... I'-ll Manag...e
Sakura: Here, let me have a look.
Sakura looked closer at him as she began treating him to stop the bleeding with her medical ninjutsu, as Naruto and Sasuke readied themselves to face Akashi whom had lifted himself up on his knees, panting heavily.
Akashi: You again huh... So I bet this means that Tobi actually lost... Well I'm not done yet!
Akashi shot up from the ground as he came running for the two of them, but just as he was about to reach them, he felt a sting through his whole body as he tripped and crashed to the ground with his face first, grabbing his neck.
Akashi: Ahhhh!!
Sasuke: ?!
Naruto: Was that all he got?
Sakura: What's going on over there?
Clutching his neck and rolling over in intense pain, Akashi was unable to gather himself as red chakra began emerging from his body, before retracting into his seal again at a rapid speed. The seal then slowly began to disappear as he was transforming back to his human form.
Kakashi: There has to be something to do with his binding seal!
Naruto: His binding seal?
Sasuke: !!... It's disappearing...
Sakura: But how?
Naruto: I...
Kakashi: Kabuto must have released it! But why??
Akashi then got up on his feet as he scanned the area around him.
Akashi: I... Huh... Where is... Who...
But before he managed to utter a proper sentence, he tumbled over as he crashed to the ground, passing out in the progress.
Naruto: Huh??
Sasuke: Now what?
Confusing as it was, Naruto slowly went over to Akashi as he bent down beside him and laid a finger on his neck, to check on him.
Naruto: Looks like he has passed out... Was it due to exhaustion?
Kakashi: Ugh... It can't be that, he seemed to have some sort of regeneration technique, so he shouldn't have passed out of exhaustion... Sasuke, you saw his binding seal? The one he had on his neck?
Sasuke: Yeah...
Kakashi: He had some sort of enchanted version of the curse mark... Some sort of a binding seal, meaning that Kabuto had him under control all the time... You said... it disappeared... that must be it! Kabuto must have released the seal due to some unknown cause... That's why he passed out, it just got to be it.
As Naruto was standing by Akashi, whom were lying on the ground, still unconscious, Sasuke turned around and went over to Kakashi and sat down on one of his knees beside him. Sakura was still healing his wounds as they had a brief conversation about everything that had went down. After a couple of minutes, Naruto stood up as he sensed something drawing near. He turned around as he walked passed Sasuke, Kakashi and Sakura and jumped on top of the large rock Kakashi was seated up against. In the distance he could see a large smoke, created by big group of shinobi.
Naruto: They're here...
Sasuke: Good...
Pakkun: I guess this concludes my mission, Kakashi...
Kakashi: Yes Pakkun, good job indeed.
Pakkun: Right, then I'm out of here. See you later!
As Pakkun disappeared, the allied forces arrived, with Gaara and Killerbee in the lead.
Gaara: We came as fast as we could, is everyone alright?
Naruto: Yeah... Somewhat.
Kakashi: But... Gai, he...
Sakura helped Kakashi up on his feet again as he, with his arm around her shoulder, limped over to Gai's body and sat down beside him. From behind him, Naruto stepped forward and began walking towards Kakashi.
Naruto: Damn it all... Let's see if I can make this work again...
Kakashi: What... what are you talking about?
Gaara: Naruto, are you going to?
Sasuke: Are you sure you can do this anytime you want?
Killerbee: Silence, let the master get to work, you dork.
Naruto: I don't know... But I can't say for sure if I don't tr-...!!
Sakura: What is it??
Naruto: Hang on...
Sensing a disturbance within himself, Naruto ventured inside his mind to find out what this strange feeling was.
Naruto: The Jubi... I thought you said we wouldn't talk for a while??
Jubi: Kid... Have you learned nothing from what I said?
Naruto: What do you mean?
Jubi: The story of The Sage of Six Paths, and how the curse of hate was placed upon this land... have you learned nothing from it?? With great power, comes great responsibility... and even with God like powers, one should not play God... That was the dying words of the Sage of Six Paths himself!
Naruto: I...
Jubi: I know what you're thinking, and I know what you're about to do... You can't just go around reviving everyone from the dead... It's not the way of life... the way of nature... Besides, using these powers... the power of The Staff of Fortune and Destiny... it takes away life-force, shortening your life...
Naruto: !! What do you mean by the Staff of Fortune and Destiny.. I don't hav-...
Jubi: It's a spiritual weapon you dumb-ass! In contrary to the other treasured tools, this weapon is only acquired through using the chakra of The Sage of Six Paths... Using his completed form... It can't be seen by the normal eye. If you would get used to the Rinnegan faster, you would notice that you've been using its powers... Like the Wizard once told the Sage, using the powers given to him on anything else than what's right in this world... what's natural, would cast a curse upon the land... And that's exactly what he did when he revived his wife and created those treasured tools... Reviving the Sanada clan on the other hand was necessary to bring down the Oda clan... Naruto... You've already revived two people, so you might have broken the code twice already... You should not keep playing God or there might be cast another curse upon this land! I thought you were the reincarnation of the Sage... If you really were, you wouldn't do the same mistake twice...
Naruto: Hey, who are you calling dumb-ass, you ugly mofo! Of course I understand, but... but... What decides what's right and what's necessary? What exactly defines breaking the code? And why on earth would the wizard give the Sage the Staff of Fortune and Destiny then, if it changes the fate of those who died prematurely, whereas that was the opposite of what the Sage was suppose to do with it??
Jubi: There are more than one use of this staff... Even if you're the Hokage of your village, even with your almighty strength... You are still young... with time and training, you will understand everything.
Naruto: How did you know that I am the-...
Jubi: Once you sealed me inside you, everything you've witnessed, everything you've experienced, everything in your life, was connected to me. We are one being now... Naruto, take my words and the story of the Sage into consideration, if you decide to use that power again...
Naruto: But it's Gai sensei!! I have to save him! I...
Jubi: Fine... Do as you like, but just remember this when you do... You've been warned.
Gaara: Naruto...
Naruto: ...
Gaara: Naruto?!
Naruto: Huh?!
Gaara: Everything alright? You look a bit pale...
The whole shinobi alliance had gathered around Naruto, Kakashi and Gai, to witness Naruto preform another miracle. Naruto felt the eyes and the hopes of the people upon himself as he looked Kakashi straight into his eye and saw the despair in him. A bit sad, but at the same time determined, Naruto sat down beside Gai as he placed both his hands upon him.
Naruto: Let's try this...
The alliance stood by, watching closely, as a large bright beam of light erupted from Naruto and into Gai's body. Naruto shouted out as Gai was lifted up in the sky and a bright light struck through his entire body, before retracting back again as Gai slowly landed back on the ground.
Naruto: Ugh!!
But this time, Naruto actually felt a devastating pain in his chest as he fell backwards on his back.
Sasuke: Naruto?!
Sasuke and Sakura rushed over to him as he quickly sat up again, clutching his chest.
Naruto: I'm alright...
Kakashi: I can't believe this... Gai?!
Gai: Where... What... How... Kakashi??
Rock Lee: Gai Sensei?!!
As some shinobi helped Naruto back up again, they looked up as Gai was back up on his feet; alive, and in great shape. Naruto was clutching his chest as he was breathing heavily. During the progress, Sasuke noticed that while Naruto was preforming the ritual, a staff was visible in his hand, as he asked Naruto about it.
Naruto: It's the Staff of Fortune and Destiny...
Sasuke: ... Never heard of it. What exactly did the Jubi tell you?
Naruto: Another time Sasuke... I'll tell you another time.
Kakashi: These powers... I've never witnessed anything close to it... It's... unnatural... It's...
Gaara: The power of a God... Just like Onoki said...
Naruto: Calm down on the whole God-thing will you, we still got work to do.
Kakashi: ... Gai, how do you feel?
Gai: I don't... I saw a light... It felt cold... I was dead for sure...
Gaara: We'll have to analyze everything later, for now, we need to find Kabuto and stop this once and for all.
Naruto: Yeah... But where do we look now?
Sasuke: We could ask this guy...
At Sasuke's proposal, their attention turned towards Akashi, whom where still lying unconscious on the ground. Naruto approached him again as he sat down beside him.
Naruto: I guess you're right, but as long as he's still out, there is not really much to get out of him... Kakashi sensei... now that the binding seal is gone... do you think he's... changed?
Kakashi: !! I... I don't know... Depends on the form of the binding seal... He could wake up with his memory under the binding erased, or he could still have it intact, but with no clue on what's happened to him...
Naruto: Let's see... Let me try something...
Naruto sat Akashi up and placed the palm of his right hand in front of his forehead, about two inches from his skin, as some chakra began emerging from it. He slowly slid his hand down his face, as Akashi began showing sign of life, twitching different muscles in his face, as his eyes slowly opened up and their eyes met. Seemingly having trouble knowing what was going on and with a confused look on his face, Akashi slowly got up, holding his head with his right hand. Everyone watched with eager eyes, in case he was still sided with Kabuto and wanted to make a run for it.
Naruto: Hey, how are you?
Akashi: Huh... Who are you? Where... am I...? Who am I?...
Sasuke: Gosh, his memory seems completely reset. What a drag...
Akashi: Wait... I remember now... Konoha...
Naruto: Go on...
Akashi: I... I was knocked out... Experimented with... Kabuto!
Gaara: Do you remember anything that has happened recently?? Do you know where Kabuto is, where he went, what he's planing?!
Akashi: I...
Naruto: Easy now... Just try to think...
Akashi: I... I... have a... brother??
Still clutching his head with his hand, Akashi began remembering glimpses of what had happened as he met eye contact with Kakashi. The two of them starred intensely at each other as Akashi turned around again and looked at Naruto.
Akashi: I remember now... The war... Kabuto... Kabuto is planning something big! I don't remember all the details, but I can give you the coordinates to his destination... The rendezvous point, where we were suppose to meet.
Kakashi: Did you have any control over yourself? Over your actions?
Akashi: No... I... It was like someone hijacked and possessed my body... as both my mind and body was controlled by someone else... I remember looking at what my body did, but I wasn't able to do anything to stop it... I... I'm sorry...
Gai: ...
Kakashi: Hmmm...
Akashi reached out for a piece of paper that one of the allied shinobi gave to him as he swiftly wrote the coordination down, before he gave it to Naruto.
Akashi: Kakashi... Brother... I'm sorry...
Gaara: You can catch up later, for now, we need to track Kabuto down.
Naruto: You're right. We should move, the location isn't far from here.
Naruto had finished reading the coordination as he then went on explaining what they needed to do and how they were going to divide the tasks. After a couple of minutes, Naruto looked at Shikamaru and nodded, as Shikamaru ordered the army to get on with their tasks. Some medical ninjas as well as a smaller portion of the force escorted Kakashi, Gai and Akashi back to the headquarter as the rest headed out for Kabuto's location, with Naruto, Gaara, Sasuke and Killerbee in the lead.
Naruto: Kabuto... we're coming!
*One Hour Later*
Naruto: We're here...
Sasuke: Are you sure?
Naruto: Positive.
Gaara: There's a cave over there... It's probably the entrance!
Killerbee: Alright, Kabuto you trash, get ready for some bash!
Naruto leaped ahead of the others as he halted right in front of the entrance, still with his new and completed Bijou form intact. Suddenly before him, stood none other than Kabuto himself!
Naruto: Kabuto...
Kabuto: Oh, it's Naruto-Kun and his mindless followers... So this means that I was right, that you and Sasuke-kun did indeed manage to deal with Tobi after all... How convenient.
Naruto: You're... You're an Earth Clone...
Kabuto: Oh? Heh, so you seem to have acquired some fancy new powers I take it? Well done, well done indeed *Smirk* Yes, I'm a clone... With a purpose.
From behind Naruto, the rest of the alliance arrived, as they saw that Kabuto was standing in front of them, blocking the entrance.
Sasuke: Naruto, you know that this is a...
Naruto: Yeah... So, what purpose are you talking about, and why did you release the seal on Akashi?
Kabuto: I'm glad you asked... Akashi has already served his purpose stalling for time so that the rest of us could get here safely. And since you guys have been kind enough to deal with that troublesome Tobi, I figured that I might as well give you something back and hand Kakashi's brother back to him. After all, what I have in store now is much bigger than anything I would ever achieve with him. Maintaining his seal took too much chakra, chakra I need to use elsewhere.... You see, behind me here is the entrance to the Cave of Ordeals... The final resting place of the Sage of Six paths himself.
Naruto: !!
Shikamaru: What are you talking about?! You can't be serious?!
Kabuto: I am... But, the reason I sent an earth clone out here is actually because of something else. If you take a look further down the entrance, you can see that its path is blocked by a barrier... Unlike the other barrier, this one is unbreakable... So you won't be able to pass...
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: However... I'm willing to let you, and three of your friends pass.
Sasuke: What are you talking about, and why would you do that??
Kabuto: I don't know... Just for the fun of it I guess. Besides, I did once promise Naruto-Kun that we would have a proper fight one day...
Naruto: Hmm... That was a long time ago, Kabuto...
Naruto stared intensely at Kabuto as a flashback triggered in his mind.
*Flashback Begins*
'Kabuto: When I have complete control over Orochimaru's power, I'll have a proper fight with you Naruto-Kun. But I'll leave you for later, for Sasuke-kun, the one who defeated Orochimaru-Sama comes first. Until we meet again.'
*Flashback Ends*
Kabuto: So, what's it going to be Naruto? Who will you choose to bring with you?
Naruto starred intensely at Kabuto, with his right arm stretched out, as if ready to fire up a rasengan. From his left side, Sasuke stepped up.
Sasuke: No need to pick, I'll come with you.
Kabuto: Hmm... This will be interesting...
Gaara: There is no question about it, I'll come as well...
Naruto: Good.
Sakura: Then I'll c-...
Killerbee: Don't leave a bro hanging here, of course I'll come too! Time for round two, bitches.
Cutting Sakura short, Killerbee took the last spot as the four of them stepped forward towards Kabuto.
Kabuto: Now that was easy... Well I guess I'll see you on the inside then, until then...
With that, the earth clone of Kabuto disappeared into the ground, as the four of them raced down the entrance and through the barrier. Before they completely disappeared from view however, Sakura ran up as she screamed after them.
Sakura: Naruto, Sasuke, be careful!!!
With that, they were gone into the cave, as the rest of the alliance stood still, not knowing what to do.
Naruto: Are you guys ready for this?
Sasuke: Of course, no need to ask that.
Gaara: Yes.
Killerbee: Hell yeah brother, from another mother!
Naruto: Let's do this!
The four of them headed further into the cave as the environment under them changed and they entered a huge room. They looked up ahead as they saw a man standing there, with another barrier behind him.
Gaara: He's...
Sasuke: Nobunaga...
Nobunaga: I'm glad you people showed... Though I must say that I thought it only would be you Naruto... Did Kabuto just let more people...
Naruto: So I guess we'll have to beat you to pass this barrier then...
Nobunaga: Not really... This barrier is set on letting three lifeforms through... So... Three of you my pass if you like, after that, you'll have to defeat me for it to disappear.
Sasuke: Well then, let's end this fast!!
Sasuke fired up a chidori as he launched at Nobunaga. Reacting in a blink of an eye, Nobunaga dodged as he jumped back to gain some space, as Sasuke crashed his chidori into the barrier, causing him to recoil and fly on his back. Sasuke quickly got up as he looked at Nobunaga with his sharingan, set on taking him on.
Nobunaga: I wouldn't do that if I were you. Charging in like that is not going to do anything, you pathetic fool... You won't defeat me that easily. Besides, if you don't hurry up, Kabuto will complete his ritual...
Gaara: What ritual?
Nobunaga: The resurrection ritual of course!!
Naruto: What?! Of whom?
Nobunaga: You can take a quick guess...
Naruto: No way, it can't be?? That's impossible!
Nobunaga: Not for Kabuto that is!
Gaara: We don't have time for this Naruto. If what he said is right, we need to hurry up.
Sasuke: He's right, you three go on, I'll deal wi-
Killerbee: I'll take out this dude, you guys go on... Nobody disses down on my friends, nobody...
Sasuke: Hey, Killerbee! I was going to...
Naruto: Are you sure?
Killerbee: It's the stinger bee, me, Killerbee, hell yeah I'm good! I feel like I'm on fire, and I will definitely not tire!
Sasuke: ...Alright, but be careful, this foe uses wind element, and he's skilled at combining it with his katana...
Killerbee: Suits me fine then. I haven't had a good old battle of swords in a long time, so he better be ready for my mime, as he won't last to see the end of my dance, he'll definitely fall in a trance, baby!
Naruto: Don't underestimate him Bee, just do what you need to do.
Killerbee: Right.
Killerbee started dancing back and forth in a fast motion as he was really fired up to do some battle. Sasuke looked over at him, clearly pissed at him for taking away his chance to fight Nobunaga, but at the same time content, seeing Killerbee's determination to stand up for his friends, as Naruto, with Gaara right behind him, gave Sasuke a pad on his shoulder, as the three of them moved on and through the next barrier.
Killerbee: Here I come!
Killerbee pulled out his seven swords, as he launched at Nobunaga, whom then pulled out his katana to counter. A huge cracking-noise was heard, as smoke came flying after the three, covering them in it, as they raced further into the hideout.
Sasuke: Up there, I can see some light at the end of the corridor!
Gaara: Shouldn't be long till we get there now.
Naruto: Right... Kabuto, we're going to stop your plans before they can blossom!
As they reached the exit, they entered another huge room, just like the previous one, as another man was standing in front of them.
Naruto: You got to be kidding with me... Is this why Kabuto wanted me to bring three people with me through the barrier?
Sasuke: Seems like he want us to fight one on one... But why?
Ryu: So you have arrived... Guess you already beat Nobunaga then? Or maybe... maybe you actually were four people and you left one behind to fight him... interesting... So Kabuto changed his original plan? Or maybe... maybe this was his plan all along to get ride off us, just like he did with Akashi... Why would he else let anyone beside Naruto through the barrier... I thought our job was to restrain him as long as possible, not to fight his friends...
Gaara: What do you mean? Are you saying that you're doubting Kabuto now?
Naruto: If you're afraid off dying, you could always just surrender...
Ryu: Hahaha, who the f*ck do you take me for?!
Sasuke: So what's it going to be? A man... or a sheep??
Ryu: You idiot! I'm not scared! I'll fight to the end if I have to! This... this is actually quite interesting... gives me some challenge!
Gaara: If you say so... I'll fight you!
Ryu: Good... But actually, I didn't plan on letting anyone pass, even if this barrier is set so that two of you may pass without defeating me. You'll all have to defeat me first!
Sasuke: Do you really think you can take on all three of us??
Ryu: Bring it!
A massive pile of sand shot out of Gaara's gourd as it headed straight for Ryu, but it barely missed him as he jumped to the side.
Ryu: Hey, you missed motherfu*ker!
Gaara: Oh, I wasn't aiming for you...
Ryu: What?!
As Ryu was busy dodging the attack, he didn't notice that both Naruto and Sasuke had raced passed him and through the barrier. Furious that he got fooled like that, Ryu preformed several hand-seals as he was just about to attack Gaara.
Ryu: Now you've done it!
Gaara: Done what exactly, made a fool out of you?
Ryu: Making me pissed!! Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique)!
A large wave of water appeared in front of him as it headed straight for Gaara.
Ryu: Your sand, will be no match for my water...
Gaara: !!
*Clash*
[...]
Naruto: Hey Sasuke... Whatever happens next...
Sasuke: I know... Let's deal with Kabuto right now, before he manages to complete whatever ritual he's preforming.
Naruto: Yeah, we have to stop him this time and get an end to this once and for all.
Naruto and Sasuke raced through another corridor, as they entered yet another large room. The two of them scanned the area, but they couldn't see anyone nearby. In front of them was another barrier blocking the entrance to the next room, and in the far distance, they could see Kabuto standing.
Sasuke: There he is!
Locking onto his target with his sharingan, Sasuke leaped ahead as he headed straight for the barrier.
Naruto: Sasuke... Wait!!
Sasuke: ?!
A large explosion appeared right in front of Sasuke as he barely managed to jump out of the way, landing beside Naruto again, as the smoke slowly settled.
Naruto: Look up in the ceiling...
Sasuke: So that's where he is!
Standing upside-down in the ceiling, the mysterious man jumped down as he slammed his huge sword into the ground, sending a powerful shockwave towards Naruto and Sasuke. Wearing a mask which hid his identity, the spy stood up as Naruto and Sasuke starred intensely at him.
Sasuke: Now who on earth is this guy?
Naruto: ...
Spy (With a dark voice): So, Naruto-Kun, Sasuke-Kun... we meet again.
Sasuke: We know each other then... since we do, why don't you just take of that mask, huh?
Spy (With a dark voice): Hah, yeah... I guess I could do that... When I think about it, it would be fun to see your facial expression... Sasuke-Kun.
The spy grabbed his mask with left hand, still holding his sword with his right, as he slowly removed it from his face and threw it on the ground, causing it to break in half.
Naruto: !!
Sasuke: Sui...Suigetsu?! What are you doing here!!
Suigetsu: Hah, I'm surprised, Sasuke. Isn't it obvious? How do you think I got the information on Tobi in the first place? You see, I never made a deal with Kabuto to give him DNA of the previous swordsmen in exchange for Intel on Tobi, I was working with him all along, ever since the start of the 4th Great Shinobi War!
Sasuke: You can't be serious? Why?!
Suigetsu: Remember what I told you before Kabuto and Zetsu invaded Iwa?
Sasuke: !!
*Flashback starts*
'Jugo: Hmm, I see. So what about you Suigetsu? It isn't that often the three of us meet up like this. What have you been up to other than looking for clues on Tobi? Still chasing your dream?
Suigetsu: Hah, my dream? Haven't you heard?
Jugo: Heard what?
Suigetsu: My, my... After the end of the 4th Great Shinobi War, Kiri decided to disband the swordsmen of the mist. Meaning that Chōjūrō was the last official one... The rest of the swords have been gathered and locked up under tight surveillance. Even if I were to break in and steal them, there wouldn't be much point no more as I wouldn't be able to gather a new generation of swordsmen of the Mist that would be official anyway, and since there are no wars or anything going on, we wouldn't be able to show off our strength. We would just become another Akatsuki... So I gave up on that dream a long time ago. However...
Sasuke: ...
Jugo: Hmm?
Suigetsu: Hehe, I'll save that goodie for later.'
*Flashback Ends*
Sasuke: You?! So that's what you meant back then! You've been planning this for so long??
Suigetsu: You remember now? I never gave up on getting my hold on the seven swordsmen's swords, and as you can see, I finally obtained them all!
Suigetsu was holding a huge weapon that seemed like it was a combined version of all the different swords.
Suigetsu: The ultimate weapon, the seven swords combined into one... The Wrath sword, Hellraiser!
Naruto: ...
Suigetsu: Well, this is only the first step anyway, I still need to gather six other members to reform the group. You're probably wondering how I got my hold on them, you see, I made a deal with Kabuto. Who do you think the spy whom infiltrated the kage meeting was? The one who reported to Kabuto and blew the place up!
Sasuke: So it was you who threw the white ball that exploded! Why are you doing this Suigetsu?! I thought you had settled down, not working with the likes of Kabuto!
Suigetsu: My, my, getting all fired up I see. Well like I was saying, I acted as a spy, and during the chaos that broke out, I stole the six remaining swords to utilize my dream!
Sasuke: ... So in exchange of you infiltrating Kiri and the kage meeting, Kabuto would help you steal Chojuro's sword first...
Suigetsu: Indeed.
Sasuke: ...
Naruto: What Ao said was true after all then...
Suigetsu: Ao? So he did survive then... Oh well, guess it can't be helped now...
Naruto: Then if it's true what you've just told us, why would Kabuto give you information on Tobi, that you were suppose to reveal to us? Why would Kabuto want us to know that Tobi was still alive?
Suigetsu: Isn't it self-explainable? Kabuto always had his own goals ever since he joined up with Tobi. This has played out perfectly for him so far, and now that I've obtained the seven swords, I myself will be a force to be reckoned with!
Naruto: If Kabuto wanted to team me up with Sasuke to deal with Tobi, why did he poisoned me in the first place then?
Suigetsu: It was all about convincing Tobi I guess... But you will just have to ask him yourself...
Sasuke: Suigetsu... You give me no choice. Stop siding with Kabuto now before it's too late!
Naruto: We don't have any other choice and we don't have much time Sasuke... Prepare for batt-...
Sasuke: No...
Naruto: ??
Sasuke: You will have to go on and deal with Kabuto; I'll deal with Suigetsu myself!
Suigetsu: Hah, getting over-confident I see!
Naruto: Are you sure?
Sasuke: Yeah, I'll be fine, now go!
Naruto: Right!
Naruto firmly said, as he leaped straight by Suigetsu, through the barrier, and into the big room behind him.
Suigetsu: This time, we'll finally be able to see who's really the better of the two of us, Sasuke...
Sasuke: Don't get too full of yourself!
Sasuke's Mangekyo Sharingan turned on as he readied himself to face the inevitable battle.
Suigetsu: I've been waiting for this moment ever since we formed Hebi, a long time ago. Be prepared to die Sasuke!
Sasuke: I've already died once... It's not going to happen again!
Sasuke unholstered his katana and charged it with chidori as he went straight for Suigetsu, but Suigetsu quickly brought up his sword to guard, as the two of them clashed hard. Sasuke's eye then began bleeding as he looked straight upon Suigetsu.
Suigetsu: Shit!
A cracking-noise and a small smokescreen was cast around them, sending some rocks flying in different directions.
[...]
Naruto: Kabuto!!
Naruto had raced further into the cave and reached its end, as he noticed Kabuto standing with his back turned against him, just up ahead in the final room of the hideout.
Kabuto: ...
As Naruto was just about to reach him, another barrier appeared, but this one however, appeared right in between them, blocking him from reaching his target.
Naruto: !!
Kabuto: Naruto-Kun... Did you really think I would let you just charge at me like that?? I wouldn't waste such an opportunity to have a talk...
Kabuto slowly turned around as a stone-table with a corpse lying on top of it came into view from behind him.
Naruto: And what on earth could you possible want to talk about at this stage? The damage is done and nothing you say will change that...
Kabuto: Kehehehe... My goodness, you seem to be serious this time around, Naruto-Kun. In fact, I want to thank you for dealing with Tobi, which enabled me to finally get here unnoticed behind his back. To achieve my goal, after all these years!
Naruto: What are you talking about? What are you scheming this time?...
Kabuto: Like I said earlier... This is the Cave of Ordeals... The final resting place of The Sage of Six Paths himself... This is where he was buried anyways...
Naruto: Ryu... What he told us... Is it true then? Are you really planning on resurrecting the Sage of Six Paths himself?!
Kabuto: Easy now Naruto-Kun... One thing at a time.... The ritual is going to take some time either way, so we might as well take our ti-...
Naruto: Lies! There is no way you can resurrect him after all these years... There shouldn't be any DNA left?!
Tired of listening to Kabuto's nonsense, Naruto fired up a Rasengan and smashed it into the barrier in front of him. Taken by surprise, Kabuto took a step back, as the barrier began reflecting fire and smoke, before Naruto's Rasengan went out and Kabuto began laughing.
Kabuto: Kehehe, that's not going to work... *Smirk* And it's not a lie Naruto-Kun... I already have what I need to resurrect him... all I need now is time. If you take a look behind me, you'll see his corpse... still intact after all these years... marvelous!
Naruto: !! Do you have any idea what might happen if you're able to resurrect him?! There is no guarantee that you'll be able to control him either, and we might have the same incident that we had with Madara during the last war all over again! One should not play with God-like powers!
Kabuto: Oh please...
Responding bluntly to what Naruto said, Kabuto suddenly began laughing maniacally as he looked over at Naruto and retorted.
Kabuto: And what about yourself Naruto-Kun... What you now have become... You should take a look at yourself first! Why should only you be able to acquire such powers?! It's not fair!
Naruto: I...
Kabuto: And that was a long time ago... I've progressed much farther since that time!
Naruto paused for a moment as he got a bit silence, thinking on what to say to Kabuto to prevent him from going through with his plan, before he finally went on.
Naruto: Then what?!... If you'll be able to resurrect him... What will your plan be? How did you turn out like this Kabuto??
Kabuto: The Sage knew many secrets in his life... If I'll be able to resurrect him, there will be none that can stand in my way... Not even you, Naruto-Kun!
Naruto: So you're just seeking power, is that it? Doesn't really sound like you have a plan to me. What's the point? Are you just going to go on a rampage?
Kabuto: Silence! You don't have any idea what powers I will possess once he's resurrected... With him in my collection, I'll be the strongest person alive, even stronger than you!
Seemingly having gone insane in his quest for power, Kabuto's goal made little sense to Naruto as it seemed like his plan all along was to just become stronger.
Naruto: ... Then you've really gone insane! If your plan was to resurrect him all along, just so that you could get stronger, just so you could ge-...
Kabuto: Get acknowledged! Ever since Orochimaru-Sama returned during the 4th Great Shinobi War, ever since I fought Itachi and Sasuke, I've been without an identity, without a goal... but now that I've finally set things in motion to resurrect the most powerful being to ever live, I'll be acknowledged throughout the land! Feared... There will not be anyone around to stop me, not you, not Tobi, no-...
Naruto: Are you listening to yourself?! In contrary to Tobi, your goal, your ambition, is without meaning or purpose!...
Kabuto: Imbecile! You don't get it do you?
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: Who are you to say what's right and wrong?!
Naruto: I...
Kabuto: Kehehehe, ahahaha!
Kabuto bursted out in laughter, as Naruto looked at him with a confused look on his face, before Kabuto went on.
Kabuto: This seems to not be the only thing you don't get... You've also forgot that I'm not the only treat around here... Can you feel that? He's here...
Naruto: !! Zetsu... So he's still alive...
Kabuto: He must have come to record our battle... interesting... I didn't think anyone would be able to enter through the different layer of barriers... Figured, he's not human after all. Naruto-Kun, maybe you should take him out before things turn out for the worst...
Naruto: What do you mean?
Kabuto: Well it's not like you can fight him while he's connected with the nature in his Nature Mode anyways, as he's probably miles away right now, but, with his nature abilities, he's able to be here without being present physically... The reason you should deal with him fast is because the Black Zetsu... The will of Madara... as long as it's alive, Tobi might be resurrected through his soul transferring technique, like he was last time at the end of the 4th Great Shinobi War when he was killed by Sasuke. Well, if any of his soul is still intact after you killed him with your final attack earlier that is...
Naruto: How do you know all this? How do you know that I-...
Kabuto: Never mind that now, just keep in mind that if Tobi gets resurrected, the Shinobi world might be in bigger trouble than what I'll cause... *Smirk*
Naruto: ... Nevertheless, as the Hokage of Konoha, I'll have to stop you both, no matter what. People has entrusted me with their will, their trust that I'll be able to restore balance and create eternal peace in this world. As long as you're around, that won't happen...
Naruto had a confident smile on his face as he stretched his arm out and pointed his finger at Kabuto. Beginning to get a bit annoyed at Naruto for hitting down on him and what he was trying to achieve, Kabuto turned his back on him and walked over to the end of the room. Once there, he picked up three tools, before returning to the barrier where Naruto stood.
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: You see this? Do you know what these tools are??
Naruto: !!
Kabuto: Yes... Those are three of the five treasured tools of the Sage of Six Paths himself...
Naruto: But how?! How have you got your hands on them?? The Amber Purifying Pot and The Crimson Gourd was stolen by Tobi during the 4th Great Shinobi War, he should ha-...
Kabuto: Stored them here...
Naruto: ??
Kabuto: After the Jubi got beat back during the last war, Tobi retreated back here to his hideout, where he stored the two treasured tools he had stolen during the battle... He then accessed the Amber Purifying Pot and retrieved the Golden Canopy Rope from the sealed Kinkaku... I bet you know where the two other treasured tools are Naruto-Kun... The Banana Palm Fan and The Seven Stars Sword...
Naruto: Yeah...
Kabuto: After your inevitable defeat at my hands, you'll show me where they are...
Naruto: And what makes you think you will be able to defeat me you scum...
Kabuto: I don't know, maybe you should take a look behind you...
Naruto: ?!
Naruto slowly turned around as he saw over 30 coffins appearing from the ground.
Naruto: So you really have some Edo Tensei summons left then... This means that you didn't release them earlier, but had them retreat, leaving the Zetsu army to fight on its own...
Kabuto: These are the last ones I have... At least until Sage of Six Paths himself is revived, *Smirk*, The rest got sealed up during the battle...
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: You know Naruto-Kun... sealing souls is not permanently, but only temporary. Each sealing techniques has a weak point... a key... to undo the sealing. The scroll that Suigetsu came across during the last war... The scroll that Orochimaru-Sama had hid away before he was sealed in Sasuke-kun... The scroll that could change the fate of the war completely... It holds the key to undo sealing techniques of any form. As you may already know, Suigetsu was working with me all along... And since Orochimaru-Sama was killed off for the last time during the last war, he eventually handed it over to me... The only other person alive who knows how to utilize it. Orochimaru-Sama... After getting his arms sealed away in the Dead Demon Consuming seal in his fight with Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked high and low for this scroll, but could not find it... Not until after he transferred his body for the last time. I have that scroll in my possession now, and with it, I can release any soul that I want... Any soul who's been sealed by both the Sword of Totsuka, and...
Naruto: !!... You can be serious?!
Kabuto: *Smirk* And... The Dead Demon Consuming Seal...
Naruto: You...
Kabuto reached for one of his pockets, as he brought forth the scroll he was talking about and lifted it up in the air in front of Naruto.
Kabuto: This brings us an interesting opportunity indeed... Naruto-Kun, with this scroll, you can release the souls of the previous Hokages and your father... Release their souls from the torment of the Death God, and bring their souls peace... You can use the power of this scroll to bring them back alive as Edo Tensei! Or, you could risk having to face them in battle... To get this power used against yourself... Just think about it!
Naruto was shocked to hear this as Kabuto reached both his arms out in the air and began laughing maniacally once again. As he did, the 30 or so coffins behind Naruto suddenly opened up as several well-known shinobi stepped out of them. Naruto quickly turned around as he readied himself to face them.
Kabuto: Let's see how your new-found powers can handle this!
[...]
Kiba: What should we do?! Is there really not anything we can do to help them out? I mean, Naruto was able to bring down one barrier before, so shouldn't he be able to bring them all down?
Neji: Don't be ridicules Kiba, you know how strong these barriers are, and you saw what force Naruto had to use to be able to break the previous one.
Sakura: Let's not forget that he blew off his arm in the progress... He could have died by using that attack.
Kiba: But there must be something? Anything?
Choji: Hmm... I don't like this, Kabuto has probably set up a trap or something...
Shikamaru: You guys shouldn't worry so much, have some fate in them!
Ino: But Shikamaru, isn't there anything we can do other than waiting around here like nothing's going on??
Jiraiya: Ino and Kiba's right, there must be something!
Hinata: Jiraiya...
Shikamaru: Hmm... I'm afraid there isn't... Nothing that I can think of right now anyway.
Rock Lee: But you're a genius Shikamaru! If there is anything, you should be able to figure it out, right?
Shikamaru: I know, but it's so troublesome... The barrier can only be taken down by defeating the user or if the user cancels it... Though there seems to be an exception by using brute force on this type of barrier... Brute force that is out of this world... Or if the user sets a specific condition on the barrier, allowing certain individuals to go through it without having to take it down. If we only could find a way to temper with it...
Tenten: If even Shikamaru says that there is nothing we can do, then I guess we'll just have to stay here and wait... At least until further orders from the headquarter.
Shaking her head in disappointment, Tenten sat down on a nearby rock as a small discussion broke out between the shinobi who were stationed outside the cave-entrance.
Sai: Is that it? Is this what you people do when there is nothing else to do??
Seating himself beside Ino, the two of them stared at the barrier as some birds flew by. Shikamaru had also seated himself on a rock as he began meditating, trying to come up with a plan.
Choji: Look! Shikamaru is coming up with a strategy!
Ino: Hush, let him think!
Kurotsuchi: I just hope they are okay... If anything were to happen now, I... I'd-...
Sakura: Don't worry too much, I'm sure they'll be fine.
Kankuro: It's four of our kages after all, so unless Kabuto has found something to match their combined might, there should not be anything to worry about.
Temari: Especially with Naruto's new powers...
Omoi: I just hope Killerbee is alright, I mean, he has already died once, and if he dies again, the rest will be in trouble and their chance of dying increases, and if they end up dead too, we all will be in trouble, and then everyth-...
Karui: Omoi, stop worrying yourself so much all the time!
Jugo (In Thoughts): Suigetsu... It's not like you to disappear like this...
[...]
Onoki: So that's what happened...
Kakashi: Yeah...
A: I see. Well then, we should not take any chances, so we'll keep your brother in a lock-down for now until we have everything under control.
Gai: That might be for the best.
Kakashi: Mhm...
Darui: So Tsunade, Mei, Ao and a minor part of the army is in charge over getting control over the situation in the hidden Mist Village, as well as burring the dead... Don't you think that it's a bit prematurely? I mean, the battle isn't over yet.
A: They'll be fine. The latest report indicates that Kabuto is trapped in some sort of a cave further up north, so we shouldn't have anything to worry about as of now.
Mifune: I agree.
Darui: I see, well everything seems to be under control here at least.
Shikaku: Yeah, as long as we have the com-link network up, there shouldn't be any problem keeping the situation under control, right Inoichi?
Inoichi: Indeed.
Choza: We seem to be close to the end of this war now.
Konohamaru: Yeah and it's about time too! I'm getting tired of waiting around like this...
Akatsuchi: You shouldn't be so impatient young fellow!
Onoki: Haha, you always knew your way with words Akatsuchi!
Shee: You folks are quite in the mood to talk lately it seems...
A: Well, the war seems to have come to an end already, so why not eh?
Baki: I can't help wonder if Naruto, Gaara, Killerbee and Sasuke can handle Kabuto by themselves...
Kakashi: Yeah, I don't really like how the situation has turned out. At this point, we don't really have any control over what's going on in there, do we...
[...]
Naruto: *Pant, Pant, Pant, Pant*
Kabuto: ...
Naruto: *Huff, Huff, Huff*
Kabuto: Impressive... Impressive indeed, Naruto-Kun...
Naruto, standing with his back towards Kabuto, slowly turned his head to the side as his eyes meet with Kabuto's. He was panting heavily as the last Edo tensei had been taken care off and sealed away. Kabuto, clapping his hands in ave of what Naruto had just managed to do, began talking as if those Edo Tensei was only just the beginning.
Kabuto: What powers! That power should be mine someday! To think what i could accomplish!... I must say that those sealing technique of yours were pretty damn dreadful indeed. It's like you sent the souls to the heavens above by merely touching their heads. Boom, in a flash of light and they were gone! But, this... this is far from over yet...
Naruto: *Pant* What are you applauding for *pant*...?
Kabuto had witnessed Naruto taking care of all of the remaining Edo Tensei as he was still occupied with his resurrection ritual on the other side of the barrier.
Kabuto: Well then... let's get on to phase two, shall we? Hopefully, this should be of a more challenge to you...
Kabuto stepped away from the Stone-Table with the corpse of the Sage of Six Paths on, as he got even closer to the barrier. As he walked up, another barrier appeared behind him, blocking the way to the Table. Beside Kabuto, six new coffins appeared to his right as Naruto slowly turned around completely to face him.
Naruto: So you still had some more Edo Tensei after all...
Kabuto: What can I say, I lied... But it was not far from the truth. These are the last ones, I promise you *Smirk*.
Kabuto leaned his right shoulder on the coffin closest to him as he pointed his finger down the line of coffins and at the one on the far left of Naruto's side.
Kabuto: Let's start from my right to left, shall we? Introducing first, he's the eternal rival of the Legendary Uchiha Madara, the co-founder and the 1st Hokage of Konoha... Behold! Hashirama Senju!
As Kabuto pointed at the coffin, it's roof blasted open as none other than Hashirama himself stepped out of it.
Naruto: ?! It... Can't...
Kabuto: I'm sorry... Since I already knew what answer you would give earlier, I had already released his soul from the Death God *Smirk*.
Kabuto then pointed his finger on the next coffin, as he shouted out.
Kabuto: But there's more! What good is Hashirama without his closest friend and brother?! Yes, you've guessed it right, the 2nd Hokage of Konoha, Tobirama Senju!
Another coffin blasted open as Tobirama stepped out of it.
Naruto (In thoughts): It just can't be... And the barrier in front of me is blocking me from being able to stop the coffins from opening... Think Naruto, think, there just have to be something I can do to prevent the rest from opening?!
Pointing at the 4th coffin on his right, Kabuto had an evil look on his face as another fierce foe stepped out.
Kabuto: And now, introducing the God of Shinobi, the one, the only, the 3rd Hokage of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Naruto: I...
Kabuto: And the next one is a bit more intriguing *Smirk*... Let's see... A man who does not really need an introduction... He's the Yellow Flash of Konoha, the 4th Hokage, and yours truly, Minato Namikaze, your father!!!
Naruto: Shit!!
Shocked to witness what people Kabuto was reviving, and being unable to do anything to stop it, Naruto completely froze at the realization of his own father being resurrected before him.
Kabuto: Let's pick it up a notch, shall we?
Kabuto quickly pointed his finger on the two remaining coffins, as he stepped to the side of the one that he was leaning himself on, as the two of them blasted open.
Naruto: No... No... No, you... you... I....
Kabuto: Speechless so soon? Aren't you happy to see your father, mother and your old sensei again!! Kehehehe, Ahahahaha!
Out of the two remaining coffins, came none other than Kushina and Jiraiya, as Naruto was in a state of shock, despair and sorrow, seeing the people Kabuto had summoned.
Kabuto: Oh, and I obviously forgot to mention that, as you can see, I finally acquired the DNA of two of the people I've been looking for, for a long, long, time. At first I thought that it would be interesting to see you fight your own father and the previous Hokages, but with Kushina and Jiraiya-Sama too, things has gotten even more interesting! It took a while, but I acquired their DNA eventually, Naruto-Kun! And of course, all of the Edo Tensei has been infused with Hashirama's cells or DNA from Madara, or even both, *Smirk*, only to make sure they are even stronger than their prime!
Kabuto then stepped backwards and through the barrier where the Stone-Table was behind, as the barrier between Naruto and the Edo Tensei disappeared.
Kabuto: Hopefully, you won't defeat them as easily as the others... I do need some time to make this ritual complete after all!
Naruto: !!
Sweat-drops began streaming down Naruto's face as he found himself in a situation he never had been in before. Unable to come up with a reply, and unable to decide how to deal with the situation, Naruto's body froze as Kabuto went on.
Kabuto: I'll let them have some will of their own eventually, but I'll be in control of their techniques at all times... We wouldn't want another Madara incident, now would we?
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: And speaking of Madara!
From the darkness of the room, two shadows appeared as two men stepped forward. As light, shining on their bodies, slowly began revealing the men's identity, they stepped up from behind Naruto as Naruto quickly turned around, only to find out that it was none other than Madara and Orochimaru themselves!
Naruto: How... Why... When... What?!
Kabuto: *Smirk*, it seems like you're really at a disadvantage this time Naruto-Kun...
Naruto couldn't utter a word as he saw eight fierce foes standing around him. All powerful people from the past, and to top it all, both his father, mother and Jiraiya sensei were there as well.
Naruto: Edo Madara was sealed during the last war, how can it be?! You can't do this Kabuto, you know what happened last time! And Orochimaru too??...
Kabuto: Kehehehe, don't worry about that Naruto, as you got other things to worry about now. Besides, I won't let any of them have a full lease as that would be too dangerous... Now you'll really get to test your new powers, against the strongest shinobi throughout history! Will you be able to overcome this task I wonder... Orochimaru-Sama betrayed me when he returned in the past war, so you shouldn't be so surprised. Besides, the immortal form of Edo Tensei... Orochimaru-Sama always chased immortality after all, so I guess this was one way to fulfill his dream *Smirk*. Let's switch them to battle mode for now... If you do well, I might let them have some consciousness later on. After all, who would want to miss out on your reunion with Jiraiya-Sensei, your father and your mother? *Smirk*.
The eight Edo Tensei began circling Naruto as their eyes suddenly turned red.
Kabuto: This is it Naruto, prepare yourself!!
Naruto: !!
Next time, the inevitable battle begins!
Fun Facts:
1: I've always been using "unseen" flashbacks throughout my story, but last chapter, and one time during this one, I used flashback from already seen scenes in earlier chapters of my series for the first time, Kishimoto-style. In this chapter however, I actually used a flashback that showed something that happened in the manga, long time ago. Do you know which part that was?
2: Oh, and another fun fact for you! There's a reference to The Expendables 2 in this chapter, did you see it?
3: This chapter showed ideas that I've had for almost two years time now. The end with the six coffins, plus everything that happened from the point they entered The Cave of Ordeals, until the point where the chapter ended (Suigetsu being a bad guy), were ideas that I've had forever, and I'm so glad I finally could put them on paper to show you guys! The whole Suigetsu thing has been on my mind ever since I wrote Sasuke Chronicles 3 and chapter 13 of my original, where there was a spy whom blew up the Mizukage mansion, crazy huh? xD
4: Number of words in this chapter: 10 330 xD Number of letters (without spacing): 60 300
Makes me wonder what the new limit of letters in one post on NB are...
Author's Note:
* First of all, this is the longest chapter ever, period, lol. But not only that, personally, I think that this chapter has the best content, story-driven element, and not to forget my craziest twists and cliffhanger ever out of all my chapters so far. Might not be the best artistic nor fight-driven one, but I do think that this might at least be in top 3. Tell me if you agree
* I said that there was a certain number of chapters left at the end of the last chapter. Thinking twice about it, and as you may understand by reading this chapter, I have some upcoming parts that might take more chapters than what I originally thought. There are three upcoming events that I thought would take three long chapters to fill, but it might actually turn out to need 6-9 normal sized chapters to fill instead. We shall see.
* The Answer to the riddle on my last chapter was my avatar. The four pictures I have each represent something that has to do with my current and upcoming FFs. The first, like I said before, is the Hokage Naruto art which represent this FF. The next is the Sage of Six Paths which represent a short FF that I will be doing after this one. The third is the Master Sword from the Zelda series and it represent the weapon that will make an appearance in my upcoming FFs. 4th and last, is an art of the famed warrior Lu Bu, which represent the FF I've been meaning to do for ages, the original FF named Three Kingdoms, which I wrote the first chapter of almost two years ago. So there you have it! I have this sequel to finish, then another one and an one shot/short movie, before I will move on to my So6p work, and then I'll finally pick up Three Kingdoms. And who knows, maybe some time in the future, me Kuroi Honoo and Escorpiius will finally be able to kick off our long awaited collaboration FF Only time will tell.
* Not sure when I'll release the next chapter, but probably right after New Year's Eve. The next chapter is already done btw, and it's a short one for my standards, about 1/2 to 1/3 of this one. So with that, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I hope you will have a wonderful new year Also want to thank everyone who has been supporting me these past months, you guys are awesome! Any and all comments are appreciated btw! ^^
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Legendary Sage of Konoha;
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
--->
--->
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
--->
[15]
--->
--->
[18]
[19]
[20]
--->
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[1]
You must be registered for see links
[2]
You must be registered for see links
[3]
You must be registered for see links
[4]
You must be registered for see links
[5]
You must be registered for see links
[6]
You must be registered for see links
--->
Sasuke Chronicles;
[7]
[7]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[8]
You must be registered for see links
[9]
You must be registered for see links
[10]
You must be registered for see links
[11]
You must be registered for see links
[12]
You must be registered for see links
[13]
You must be registered for see links
--->
Kakashi Chronicles;
[14]
[14]
You must be registered for see links
[15]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[16]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[17]
You must be registered for see links
[18]
You must be registered for see links
[19]
You must be registered for see links
[20]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[21]
You must be registered for see links
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
You must be registered for see links
[23]
You must be registered for see links
[24]
You must be registered for see links
[25]
You must be registered for see links
[26]
You must be registered for see links
[27]
You must be registered for see links
[28]
You must be registered for see links
Note Before Reading: Due to extensive use of different characters in this chapter, some color-codes on characters might have mixed up between some of them, and as far as I can see, Kakashi and Sasuke have the same one. Luckily, they don't interact for too much of this chapter, so I didn't think that it needed to be fixed. Another thing, if you don't like big chapter, you better press the exit button right now, as this, is probably the biggest stand-alone chapter (not counting RokuNR's Bleach movie) NB has ever seen O_O
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 8;
The Six Coffins:
Still crying over Gai's death, Kakashi was barely able to move as he tried to come up with something to do. He looked over at Akashi whom had finally, after about sixteen minutes knocked-out on the ground, been able to get back on his knees as he was panting heavily. He then looked over at Kakashi with an evil intent as he pushed himself and managed to get back up on his feet.
Kakashi: There's... no way?! Your body... your body should ha-ve...
Akashi: Seems like you're about to join your friend now, brother! Mohaha, ahahaha!
Akashi slowly walked towards Kakashi, pushing one foot forward at a time, and Kakashi, who tried to get up as well, quickly realized that he had nothing else to go on, that he was totally drained for chakra, as he fell over on his back again.
Kakashi: Damn...it...
Akashi: You're mine now!
Kakashi began crawling backwards as Akashi got closer and closer, limping towards him. He had almost reached him when Kakashi noticed he couldn't get any further backwards as he quickly turned around and saw the large rock from before, blocking his way.
Kakashi: Sh-...it...
Akashi: This is it!
Akashi drew forth a kunai from his pocket, as he readied himself to strike at Kakashi. He lifted it high up in the air as he was just about to strike at him, as Kakashi, whom were unable to do anything, closed his eye, awaiting the final blow.
Kakashi: Minato... Jiraiya... Hiruzen... I have failed you... I guess I wasn't able to reach your level of greatness... Gai...Obito...Rin...I will join you now... Naruto... Sasuke... Sakura... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I wasn't able to keep my promise after all Naruto...
A tear streamed down Kakashi's chin as he remembered back to the old days when he promised Naruto during the last war that he would not go down in battle, no matter what, and that they would grow old together and reminisce the past when everything had come to an end, and people was at peace.
Akashi: Die!!!
Kakashi: ...
?/?: Rasengan!!/Chidori!!
Akashi: What th-?!... Ugh!
Right at the moment when Akashi was just about to give Kakashi the final blow, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Pakkun appeared right in between them as Naruto and Sasuke quickly fired up their trademark techniques, hitting Akashi dead on and sending him flying on his back, several yards away. The smoke from their appearance slowly settled as Naruto stretched his arm out and pointed his finger on Akashi as he shouted at him.
Naruto: You will not lay another finger on our sensei! You hear that, you scum?!!
Kakashi: You... guy-s...
Sakura: Don't worry, we're here now.
Pakkun: Just as promised!
Kakashi: Thank god you made...it... Pakkun. If not, I would have been dead... But... Gai...he...
Naruto: Don't worry about Gai... I'll fix him once I'm done with this guy!
Kakashi: What do you mean??... And what have happened... to you??
Sasuke: Rest, Kakashi sensei, we'll tell you all about it later. Now, you'll need to take it easy while Naruto and I deal with this.
Kakashi: Right...
Naruto and Sasuke stood in front of Kakashi, whom where lying on the ground up against a large rock, getting treatment from Sakura, as they stared intensely in Akashi's direction, anticipating his next move.
Sakura: Kakashi sensei, what happened to your eye?! You're badly injured, and you're still bleeding!
Kakashi: Ugh... I'-ll Manag...e
Sakura: Here, let me have a look.
Sakura looked closer at him as she began treating him to stop the bleeding with her medical ninjutsu, as Naruto and Sasuke readied themselves to face Akashi whom had lifted himself up on his knees, panting heavily.
Akashi: You again huh... So I bet this means that Tobi actually lost... Well I'm not done yet!
Akashi shot up from the ground as he came running for the two of them, but just as he was about to reach them, he felt a sting through his whole body as he tripped and crashed to the ground with his face first, grabbing his neck.
Akashi: Ahhhh!!
Sasuke: ?!
Naruto: Was that all he got?
Sakura: What's going on over there?
Clutching his neck and rolling over in intense pain, Akashi was unable to gather himself as red chakra began emerging from his body, before retracting into his seal again at a rapid speed. The seal then slowly began to disappear as he was transforming back to his human form.
Kakashi: There has to be something to do with his binding seal!
Naruto: His binding seal?
Sasuke: !!... It's disappearing...
Sakura: But how?
Naruto: I...
Kakashi: Kabuto must have released it! But why??
Akashi then got up on his feet as he scanned the area around him.
Akashi: I... Huh... Where is... Who...
But before he managed to utter a proper sentence, he tumbled over as he crashed to the ground, passing out in the progress.
Naruto: Huh??
Sasuke: Now what?
Confusing as it was, Naruto slowly went over to Akashi as he bent down beside him and laid a finger on his neck, to check on him.
Naruto: Looks like he has passed out... Was it due to exhaustion?
Kakashi: Ugh... It can't be that, he seemed to have some sort of regeneration technique, so he shouldn't have passed out of exhaustion... Sasuke, you saw his binding seal? The one he had on his neck?
Sasuke: Yeah...
Kakashi: He had some sort of enchanted version of the curse mark... Some sort of a binding seal, meaning that Kabuto had him under control all the time... You said... it disappeared... that must be it! Kabuto must have released the seal due to some unknown cause... That's why he passed out, it just got to be it.
As Naruto was standing by Akashi, whom were lying on the ground, still unconscious, Sasuke turned around and went over to Kakashi and sat down on one of his knees beside him. Sakura was still healing his wounds as they had a brief conversation about everything that had went down. After a couple of minutes, Naruto stood up as he sensed something drawing near. He turned around as he walked passed Sasuke, Kakashi and Sakura and jumped on top of the large rock Kakashi was seated up against. In the distance he could see a large smoke, created by big group of shinobi.
Naruto: They're here...
Sasuke: Good...
Pakkun: I guess this concludes my mission, Kakashi...
Kakashi: Yes Pakkun, good job indeed.
Pakkun: Right, then I'm out of here. See you later!
As Pakkun disappeared, the allied forces arrived, with Gaara and Killerbee in the lead.
Gaara: We came as fast as we could, is everyone alright?
Naruto: Yeah... Somewhat.
Kakashi: But... Gai, he...
Sakura helped Kakashi up on his feet again as he, with his arm around her shoulder, limped over to Gai's body and sat down beside him. From behind him, Naruto stepped forward and began walking towards Kakashi.
Naruto: Damn it all... Let's see if I can make this work again...
Kakashi: What... what are you talking about?
Gaara: Naruto, are you going to?
Sasuke: Are you sure you can do this anytime you want?
Killerbee: Silence, let the master get to work, you dork.
Naruto: I don't know... But I can't say for sure if I don't tr-...!!
Sakura: What is it??
Naruto: Hang on...
Sensing a disturbance within himself, Naruto ventured inside his mind to find out what this strange feeling was.
Naruto: The Jubi... I thought you said we wouldn't talk for a while??
Jubi: Kid... Have you learned nothing from what I said?
Naruto: What do you mean?
Jubi: The story of The Sage of Six Paths, and how the curse of hate was placed upon this land... have you learned nothing from it?? With great power, comes great responsibility... and even with God like powers, one should not play God... That was the dying words of the Sage of Six Paths himself!
Naruto: I...
Jubi: I know what you're thinking, and I know what you're about to do... You can't just go around reviving everyone from the dead... It's not the way of life... the way of nature... Besides, using these powers... the power of The Staff of Fortune and Destiny... it takes away life-force, shortening your life...
Naruto: !! What do you mean by the Staff of Fortune and Destiny.. I don't hav-...
Jubi: It's a spiritual weapon you dumb-ass! In contrary to the other treasured tools, this weapon is only acquired through using the chakra of The Sage of Six Paths... Using his completed form... It can't be seen by the normal eye. If you would get used to the Rinnegan faster, you would notice that you've been using its powers... Like the Wizard once told the Sage, using the powers given to him on anything else than what's right in this world... what's natural, would cast a curse upon the land... And that's exactly what he did when he revived his wife and created those treasured tools... Reviving the Sanada clan on the other hand was necessary to bring down the Oda clan... Naruto... You've already revived two people, so you might have broken the code twice already... You should not keep playing God or there might be cast another curse upon this land! I thought you were the reincarnation of the Sage... If you really were, you wouldn't do the same mistake twice...
Naruto: Hey, who are you calling dumb-ass, you ugly mofo! Of course I understand, but... but... What decides what's right and what's necessary? What exactly defines breaking the code? And why on earth would the wizard give the Sage the Staff of Fortune and Destiny then, if it changes the fate of those who died prematurely, whereas that was the opposite of what the Sage was suppose to do with it??
Jubi: There are more than one use of this staff... Even if you're the Hokage of your village, even with your almighty strength... You are still young... with time and training, you will understand everything.
Naruto: How did you know that I am the-...
Jubi: Once you sealed me inside you, everything you've witnessed, everything you've experienced, everything in your life, was connected to me. We are one being now... Naruto, take my words and the story of the Sage into consideration, if you decide to use that power again...
Naruto: But it's Gai sensei!! I have to save him! I...
Jubi: Fine... Do as you like, but just remember this when you do... You've been warned.
Gaara: Naruto...
Naruto: ...
Gaara: Naruto?!
Naruto: Huh?!
Gaara: Everything alright? You look a bit pale...
The whole shinobi alliance had gathered around Naruto, Kakashi and Gai, to witness Naruto preform another miracle. Naruto felt the eyes and the hopes of the people upon himself as he looked Kakashi straight into his eye and saw the despair in him. A bit sad, but at the same time determined, Naruto sat down beside Gai as he placed both his hands upon him.
Naruto: Let's try this...
The alliance stood by, watching closely, as a large bright beam of light erupted from Naruto and into Gai's body. Naruto shouted out as Gai was lifted up in the sky and a bright light struck through his entire body, before retracting back again as Gai slowly landed back on the ground.
Naruto: Ugh!!
But this time, Naruto actually felt a devastating pain in his chest as he fell backwards on his back.
Sasuke: Naruto?!
Sasuke and Sakura rushed over to him as he quickly sat up again, clutching his chest.
Naruto: I'm alright...
Kakashi: I can't believe this... Gai?!
Gai: Where... What... How... Kakashi??
Rock Lee: Gai Sensei?!!
As some shinobi helped Naruto back up again, they looked up as Gai was back up on his feet; alive, and in great shape. Naruto was clutching his chest as he was breathing heavily. During the progress, Sasuke noticed that while Naruto was preforming the ritual, a staff was visible in his hand, as he asked Naruto about it.
Naruto: It's the Staff of Fortune and Destiny...
Sasuke: ... Never heard of it. What exactly did the Jubi tell you?
Naruto: Another time Sasuke... I'll tell you another time.
Kakashi: These powers... I've never witnessed anything close to it... It's... unnatural... It's...
Gaara: The power of a God... Just like Onoki said...
Naruto: Calm down on the whole God-thing will you, we still got work to do.
Kakashi: ... Gai, how do you feel?
Gai: I don't... I saw a light... It felt cold... I was dead for sure...
Gaara: We'll have to analyze everything later, for now, we need to find Kabuto and stop this once and for all.
Naruto: Yeah... But where do we look now?
Sasuke: We could ask this guy...
At Sasuke's proposal, their attention turned towards Akashi, whom where still lying unconscious on the ground. Naruto approached him again as he sat down beside him.
Naruto: I guess you're right, but as long as he's still out, there is not really much to get out of him... Kakashi sensei... now that the binding seal is gone... do you think he's... changed?
Kakashi: !! I... I don't know... Depends on the form of the binding seal... He could wake up with his memory under the binding erased, or he could still have it intact, but with no clue on what's happened to him...
Naruto: Let's see... Let me try something...
Naruto sat Akashi up and placed the palm of his right hand in front of his forehead, about two inches from his skin, as some chakra began emerging from it. He slowly slid his hand down his face, as Akashi began showing sign of life, twitching different muscles in his face, as his eyes slowly opened up and their eyes met. Seemingly having trouble knowing what was going on and with a confused look on his face, Akashi slowly got up, holding his head with his right hand. Everyone watched with eager eyes, in case he was still sided with Kabuto and wanted to make a run for it.
Naruto: Hey, how are you?
Akashi: Huh... Who are you? Where... am I...? Who am I?...
Sasuke: Gosh, his memory seems completely reset. What a drag...
Akashi: Wait... I remember now... Konoha...
Naruto: Go on...
Akashi: I... I was knocked out... Experimented with... Kabuto!
Gaara: Do you remember anything that has happened recently?? Do you know where Kabuto is, where he went, what he's planing?!
Akashi: I...
Naruto: Easy now... Just try to think...
Akashi: I... I... have a... brother??
Still clutching his head with his hand, Akashi began remembering glimpses of what had happened as he met eye contact with Kakashi. The two of them starred intensely at each other as Akashi turned around again and looked at Naruto.
Akashi: I remember now... The war... Kabuto... Kabuto is planning something big! I don't remember all the details, but I can give you the coordinates to his destination... The rendezvous point, where we were suppose to meet.
Kakashi: Did you have any control over yourself? Over your actions?
Akashi: No... I... It was like someone hijacked and possessed my body... as both my mind and body was controlled by someone else... I remember looking at what my body did, but I wasn't able to do anything to stop it... I... I'm sorry...
Gai: ...
Kakashi: Hmmm...
Akashi reached out for a piece of paper that one of the allied shinobi gave to him as he swiftly wrote the coordination down, before he gave it to Naruto.
Akashi: Kakashi... Brother... I'm sorry...
Gaara: You can catch up later, for now, we need to track Kabuto down.
Naruto: You're right. We should move, the location isn't far from here.
Naruto had finished reading the coordination as he then went on explaining what they needed to do and how they were going to divide the tasks. After a couple of minutes, Naruto looked at Shikamaru and nodded, as Shikamaru ordered the army to get on with their tasks. Some medical ninjas as well as a smaller portion of the force escorted Kakashi, Gai and Akashi back to the headquarter as the rest headed out for Kabuto's location, with Naruto, Gaara, Sasuke and Killerbee in the lead.
Naruto: Kabuto... we're coming!
*One Hour Later*
Naruto: We're here...
Sasuke: Are you sure?
Naruto: Positive.
Gaara: There's a cave over there... It's probably the entrance!
Killerbee: Alright, Kabuto you trash, get ready for some bash!
Naruto leaped ahead of the others as he halted right in front of the entrance, still with his new and completed Bijou form intact. Suddenly before him, stood none other than Kabuto himself!
Naruto: Kabuto...
Kabuto: Oh, it's Naruto-Kun and his mindless followers... So this means that I was right, that you and Sasuke-kun did indeed manage to deal with Tobi after all... How convenient.
Naruto: You're... You're an Earth Clone...
Kabuto: Oh? Heh, so you seem to have acquired some fancy new powers I take it? Well done, well done indeed *Smirk* Yes, I'm a clone... With a purpose.
From behind Naruto, the rest of the alliance arrived, as they saw that Kabuto was standing in front of them, blocking the entrance.
Sasuke: Naruto, you know that this is a...
Naruto: Yeah... So, what purpose are you talking about, and why did you release the seal on Akashi?
Kabuto: I'm glad you asked... Akashi has already served his purpose stalling for time so that the rest of us could get here safely. And since you guys have been kind enough to deal with that troublesome Tobi, I figured that I might as well give you something back and hand Kakashi's brother back to him. After all, what I have in store now is much bigger than anything I would ever achieve with him. Maintaining his seal took too much chakra, chakra I need to use elsewhere.... You see, behind me here is the entrance to the Cave of Ordeals... The final resting place of the Sage of Six paths himself.
Naruto: !!
Shikamaru: What are you talking about?! You can't be serious?!
Kabuto: I am... But, the reason I sent an earth clone out here is actually because of something else. If you take a look further down the entrance, you can see that its path is blocked by a barrier... Unlike the other barrier, this one is unbreakable... So you won't be able to pass...
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: However... I'm willing to let you, and three of your friends pass.
Sasuke: What are you talking about, and why would you do that??
Kabuto: I don't know... Just for the fun of it I guess. Besides, I did once promise Naruto-Kun that we would have a proper fight one day...
Naruto: Hmm... That was a long time ago, Kabuto...
Naruto stared intensely at Kabuto as a flashback triggered in his mind.
*Flashback Begins*
'Kabuto: When I have complete control over Orochimaru's power, I'll have a proper fight with you Naruto-Kun. But I'll leave you for later, for Sasuke-kun, the one who defeated Orochimaru-Sama comes first. Until we meet again.'
*Flashback Ends*
Kabuto: So, what's it going to be Naruto? Who will you choose to bring with you?
Naruto starred intensely at Kabuto, with his right arm stretched out, as if ready to fire up a rasengan. From his left side, Sasuke stepped up.
Sasuke: No need to pick, I'll come with you.
Kabuto: Hmm... This will be interesting...
Gaara: There is no question about it, I'll come as well...
Naruto: Good.
Sakura: Then I'll c-...
Killerbee: Don't leave a bro hanging here, of course I'll come too! Time for round two, bitches.
Cutting Sakura short, Killerbee took the last spot as the four of them stepped forward towards Kabuto.
Kabuto: Now that was easy... Well I guess I'll see you on the inside then, until then...
With that, the earth clone of Kabuto disappeared into the ground, as the four of them raced down the entrance and through the barrier. Before they completely disappeared from view however, Sakura ran up as she screamed after them.
Sakura: Naruto, Sasuke, be careful!!!
With that, they were gone into the cave, as the rest of the alliance stood still, not knowing what to do.
Naruto: Are you guys ready for this?
Sasuke: Of course, no need to ask that.
Gaara: Yes.
Killerbee: Hell yeah brother, from another mother!
Naruto: Let's do this!
The four of them headed further into the cave as the environment under them changed and they entered a huge room. They looked up ahead as they saw a man standing there, with another barrier behind him.
Gaara: He's...
Sasuke: Nobunaga...
Nobunaga: I'm glad you people showed... Though I must say that I thought it only would be you Naruto... Did Kabuto just let more people...
Naruto: So I guess we'll have to beat you to pass this barrier then...
Nobunaga: Not really... This barrier is set on letting three lifeforms through... So... Three of you my pass if you like, after that, you'll have to defeat me for it to disappear.
Sasuke: Well then, let's end this fast!!
Sasuke fired up a chidori as he launched at Nobunaga. Reacting in a blink of an eye, Nobunaga dodged as he jumped back to gain some space, as Sasuke crashed his chidori into the barrier, causing him to recoil and fly on his back. Sasuke quickly got up as he looked at Nobunaga with his sharingan, set on taking him on.
Nobunaga: I wouldn't do that if I were you. Charging in like that is not going to do anything, you pathetic fool... You won't defeat me that easily. Besides, if you don't hurry up, Kabuto will complete his ritual...
Gaara: What ritual?
Nobunaga: The resurrection ritual of course!!
Naruto: What?! Of whom?
Nobunaga: You can take a quick guess...
Naruto: No way, it can't be?? That's impossible!
Nobunaga: Not for Kabuto that is!
Gaara: We don't have time for this Naruto. If what he said is right, we need to hurry up.
Sasuke: He's right, you three go on, I'll deal wi-
Killerbee: I'll take out this dude, you guys go on... Nobody disses down on my friends, nobody...
Sasuke: Hey, Killerbee! I was going to...
Naruto: Are you sure?
Killerbee: It's the stinger bee, me, Killerbee, hell yeah I'm good! I feel like I'm on fire, and I will definitely not tire!
Sasuke: ...Alright, but be careful, this foe uses wind element, and he's skilled at combining it with his katana...
Killerbee: Suits me fine then. I haven't had a good old battle of swords in a long time, so he better be ready for my mime, as he won't last to see the end of my dance, he'll definitely fall in a trance, baby!
Naruto: Don't underestimate him Bee, just do what you need to do.
Killerbee: Right.
Killerbee started dancing back and forth in a fast motion as he was really fired up to do some battle. Sasuke looked over at him, clearly pissed at him for taking away his chance to fight Nobunaga, but at the same time content, seeing Killerbee's determination to stand up for his friends, as Naruto, with Gaara right behind him, gave Sasuke a pad on his shoulder, as the three of them moved on and through the next barrier.
Killerbee: Here I come!
Killerbee pulled out his seven swords, as he launched at Nobunaga, whom then pulled out his katana to counter. A huge cracking-noise was heard, as smoke came flying after the three, covering them in it, as they raced further into the hideout.
Sasuke: Up there, I can see some light at the end of the corridor!
Gaara: Shouldn't be long till we get there now.
Naruto: Right... Kabuto, we're going to stop your plans before they can blossom!
As they reached the exit, they entered another huge room, just like the previous one, as another man was standing in front of them.
Naruto: You got to be kidding with me... Is this why Kabuto wanted me to bring three people with me through the barrier?
Sasuke: Seems like he want us to fight one on one... But why?
Ryu: So you have arrived... Guess you already beat Nobunaga then? Or maybe... maybe you actually were four people and you left one behind to fight him... interesting... So Kabuto changed his original plan? Or maybe... maybe this was his plan all along to get ride off us, just like he did with Akashi... Why would he else let anyone beside Naruto through the barrier... I thought our job was to restrain him as long as possible, not to fight his friends...
Gaara: What do you mean? Are you saying that you're doubting Kabuto now?
Naruto: If you're afraid off dying, you could always just surrender...
Ryu: Hahaha, who the f*ck do you take me for?!
Sasuke: So what's it going to be? A man... or a sheep??
Ryu: You idiot! I'm not scared! I'll fight to the end if I have to! This... this is actually quite interesting... gives me some challenge!
Gaara: If you say so... I'll fight you!
Ryu: Good... But actually, I didn't plan on letting anyone pass, even if this barrier is set so that two of you may pass without defeating me. You'll all have to defeat me first!
Sasuke: Do you really think you can take on all three of us??
Ryu: Bring it!
A massive pile of sand shot out of Gaara's gourd as it headed straight for Ryu, but it barely missed him as he jumped to the side.
Ryu: Hey, you missed motherfu*ker!
Gaara: Oh, I wasn't aiming for you...
Ryu: What?!
As Ryu was busy dodging the attack, he didn't notice that both Naruto and Sasuke had raced passed him and through the barrier. Furious that he got fooled like that, Ryu preformed several hand-seals as he was just about to attack Gaara.
Ryu: Now you've done it!
Gaara: Done what exactly, made a fool out of you?
Ryu: Making me pissed!! Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique)!
A large wave of water appeared in front of him as it headed straight for Gaara.
Ryu: Your sand, will be no match for my water...
Gaara: !!
*Clash*
[...]
Naruto: Hey Sasuke... Whatever happens next...
Sasuke: I know... Let's deal with Kabuto right now, before he manages to complete whatever ritual he's preforming.
Naruto: Yeah, we have to stop him this time and get an end to this once and for all.
Naruto and Sasuke raced through another corridor, as they entered yet another large room. The two of them scanned the area, but they couldn't see anyone nearby. In front of them was another barrier blocking the entrance to the next room, and in the far distance, they could see Kabuto standing.
Sasuke: There he is!
Locking onto his target with his sharingan, Sasuke leaped ahead as he headed straight for the barrier.
Naruto: Sasuke... Wait!!
Sasuke: ?!
A large explosion appeared right in front of Sasuke as he barely managed to jump out of the way, landing beside Naruto again, as the smoke slowly settled.
Naruto: Look up in the ceiling...
Sasuke: So that's where he is!
Standing upside-down in the ceiling, the mysterious man jumped down as he slammed his huge sword into the ground, sending a powerful shockwave towards Naruto and Sasuke. Wearing a mask which hid his identity, the spy stood up as Naruto and Sasuke starred intensely at him.
Sasuke: Now who on earth is this guy?
Naruto: ...
Spy (With a dark voice): So, Naruto-Kun, Sasuke-Kun... we meet again.
Sasuke: We know each other then... since we do, why don't you just take of that mask, huh?
Spy (With a dark voice): Hah, yeah... I guess I could do that... When I think about it, it would be fun to see your facial expression... Sasuke-Kun.
The spy grabbed his mask with left hand, still holding his sword with his right, as he slowly removed it from his face and threw it on the ground, causing it to break in half.
Naruto: !!
Sasuke: Sui...Suigetsu?! What are you doing here!!
Suigetsu: Hah, I'm surprised, Sasuke. Isn't it obvious? How do you think I got the information on Tobi in the first place? You see, I never made a deal with Kabuto to give him DNA of the previous swordsmen in exchange for Intel on Tobi, I was working with him all along, ever since the start of the 4th Great Shinobi War!
Sasuke: You can't be serious? Why?!
Suigetsu: Remember what I told you before Kabuto and Zetsu invaded Iwa?
Sasuke: !!
*Flashback starts*
'Jugo: Hmm, I see. So what about you Suigetsu? It isn't that often the three of us meet up like this. What have you been up to other than looking for clues on Tobi? Still chasing your dream?
Suigetsu: Hah, my dream? Haven't you heard?
Jugo: Heard what?
Suigetsu: My, my... After the end of the 4th Great Shinobi War, Kiri decided to disband the swordsmen of the mist. Meaning that Chōjūrō was the last official one... The rest of the swords have been gathered and locked up under tight surveillance. Even if I were to break in and steal them, there wouldn't be much point no more as I wouldn't be able to gather a new generation of swordsmen of the Mist that would be official anyway, and since there are no wars or anything going on, we wouldn't be able to show off our strength. We would just become another Akatsuki... So I gave up on that dream a long time ago. However...
Sasuke: ...
Jugo: Hmm?
Suigetsu: Hehe, I'll save that goodie for later.'
*Flashback Ends*
Sasuke: You?! So that's what you meant back then! You've been planning this for so long??
Suigetsu: You remember now? I never gave up on getting my hold on the seven swordsmen's swords, and as you can see, I finally obtained them all!
Suigetsu was holding a huge weapon that seemed like it was a combined version of all the different swords.
Suigetsu: The ultimate weapon, the seven swords combined into one... The Wrath sword, Hellraiser!
Naruto: ...
Suigetsu: Well, this is only the first step anyway, I still need to gather six other members to reform the group. You're probably wondering how I got my hold on them, you see, I made a deal with Kabuto. Who do you think the spy whom infiltrated the kage meeting was? The one who reported to Kabuto and blew the place up!
Sasuke: So it was you who threw the white ball that exploded! Why are you doing this Suigetsu?! I thought you had settled down, not working with the likes of Kabuto!
Suigetsu: My, my, getting all fired up I see. Well like I was saying, I acted as a spy, and during the chaos that broke out, I stole the six remaining swords to utilize my dream!
Sasuke: ... So in exchange of you infiltrating Kiri and the kage meeting, Kabuto would help you steal Chojuro's sword first...
Suigetsu: Indeed.
Sasuke: ...
Naruto: What Ao said was true after all then...
Suigetsu: Ao? So he did survive then... Oh well, guess it can't be helped now...
Naruto: Then if it's true what you've just told us, why would Kabuto give you information on Tobi, that you were suppose to reveal to us? Why would Kabuto want us to know that Tobi was still alive?
Suigetsu: Isn't it self-explainable? Kabuto always had his own goals ever since he joined up with Tobi. This has played out perfectly for him so far, and now that I've obtained the seven swords, I myself will be a force to be reckoned with!
Naruto: If Kabuto wanted to team me up with Sasuke to deal with Tobi, why did he poisoned me in the first place then?
Suigetsu: It was all about convincing Tobi I guess... But you will just have to ask him yourself...
Sasuke: Suigetsu... You give me no choice. Stop siding with Kabuto now before it's too late!
Naruto: We don't have any other choice and we don't have much time Sasuke... Prepare for batt-...
Sasuke: No...
Naruto: ??
Sasuke: You will have to go on and deal with Kabuto; I'll deal with Suigetsu myself!
Suigetsu: Hah, getting over-confident I see!
Naruto: Are you sure?
Sasuke: Yeah, I'll be fine, now go!
Naruto: Right!
Naruto firmly said, as he leaped straight by Suigetsu, through the barrier, and into the big room behind him.
Suigetsu: This time, we'll finally be able to see who's really the better of the two of us, Sasuke...
Sasuke: Don't get too full of yourself!
Sasuke's Mangekyo Sharingan turned on as he readied himself to face the inevitable battle.
Suigetsu: I've been waiting for this moment ever since we formed Hebi, a long time ago. Be prepared to die Sasuke!
Sasuke: I've already died once... It's not going to happen again!
Sasuke unholstered his katana and charged it with chidori as he went straight for Suigetsu, but Suigetsu quickly brought up his sword to guard, as the two of them clashed hard. Sasuke's eye then began bleeding as he looked straight upon Suigetsu.
Suigetsu: Shit!
A cracking-noise and a small smokescreen was cast around them, sending some rocks flying in different directions.
[...]
Naruto: Kabuto!!
Naruto had raced further into the cave and reached its end, as he noticed Kabuto standing with his back turned against him, just up ahead in the final room of the hideout.
Kabuto: ...
As Naruto was just about to reach him, another barrier appeared, but this one however, appeared right in between them, blocking him from reaching his target.
Naruto: !!
Kabuto: Naruto-Kun... Did you really think I would let you just charge at me like that?? I wouldn't waste such an opportunity to have a talk...
Kabuto slowly turned around as a stone-table with a corpse lying on top of it came into view from behind him.
Naruto: And what on earth could you possible want to talk about at this stage? The damage is done and nothing you say will change that...
Kabuto: Kehehehe... My goodness, you seem to be serious this time around, Naruto-Kun. In fact, I want to thank you for dealing with Tobi, which enabled me to finally get here unnoticed behind his back. To achieve my goal, after all these years!
Naruto: What are you talking about? What are you scheming this time?...
Kabuto: Like I said earlier... This is the Cave of Ordeals... The final resting place of The Sage of Six Paths himself... This is where he was buried anyways...
Naruto: Ryu... What he told us... Is it true then? Are you really planning on resurrecting the Sage of Six Paths himself?!
Kabuto: Easy now Naruto-Kun... One thing at a time.... The ritual is going to take some time either way, so we might as well take our ti-...
Naruto: Lies! There is no way you can resurrect him after all these years... There shouldn't be any DNA left?!
Tired of listening to Kabuto's nonsense, Naruto fired up a Rasengan and smashed it into the barrier in front of him. Taken by surprise, Kabuto took a step back, as the barrier began reflecting fire and smoke, before Naruto's Rasengan went out and Kabuto began laughing.
Kabuto: Kehehe, that's not going to work... *Smirk* And it's not a lie Naruto-Kun... I already have what I need to resurrect him... all I need now is time. If you take a look behind me, you'll see his corpse... still intact after all these years... marvelous!
Naruto: !! Do you have any idea what might happen if you're able to resurrect him?! There is no guarantee that you'll be able to control him either, and we might have the same incident that we had with Madara during the last war all over again! One should not play with God-like powers!
Kabuto: Oh please...
Responding bluntly to what Naruto said, Kabuto suddenly began laughing maniacally as he looked over at Naruto and retorted.
Kabuto: And what about yourself Naruto-Kun... What you now have become... You should take a look at yourself first! Why should only you be able to acquire such powers?! It's not fair!
Naruto: I...
Kabuto: And that was a long time ago... I've progressed much farther since that time!
Naruto paused for a moment as he got a bit silence, thinking on what to say to Kabuto to prevent him from going through with his plan, before he finally went on.
Naruto: Then what?!... If you'll be able to resurrect him... What will your plan be? How did you turn out like this Kabuto??
Kabuto: The Sage knew many secrets in his life... If I'll be able to resurrect him, there will be none that can stand in my way... Not even you, Naruto-Kun!
Naruto: So you're just seeking power, is that it? Doesn't really sound like you have a plan to me. What's the point? Are you just going to go on a rampage?
Kabuto: Silence! You don't have any idea what powers I will possess once he's resurrected... With him in my collection, I'll be the strongest person alive, even stronger than you!
Seemingly having gone insane in his quest for power, Kabuto's goal made little sense to Naruto as it seemed like his plan all along was to just become stronger.
Naruto: ... Then you've really gone insane! If your plan was to resurrect him all along, just so that you could get stronger, just so you could ge-...
Kabuto: Get acknowledged! Ever since Orochimaru-Sama returned during the 4th Great Shinobi War, ever since I fought Itachi and Sasuke, I've been without an identity, without a goal... but now that I've finally set things in motion to resurrect the most powerful being to ever live, I'll be acknowledged throughout the land! Feared... There will not be anyone around to stop me, not you, not Tobi, no-...
Naruto: Are you listening to yourself?! In contrary to Tobi, your goal, your ambition, is without meaning or purpose!...
Kabuto: Imbecile! You don't get it do you?
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: Who are you to say what's right and wrong?!
Naruto: I...
Kabuto: Kehehehe, ahahaha!
Kabuto bursted out in laughter, as Naruto looked at him with a confused look on his face, before Kabuto went on.
Kabuto: This seems to not be the only thing you don't get... You've also forgot that I'm not the only treat around here... Can you feel that? He's here...
Naruto: !! Zetsu... So he's still alive...
Kabuto: He must have come to record our battle... interesting... I didn't think anyone would be able to enter through the different layer of barriers... Figured, he's not human after all. Naruto-Kun, maybe you should take him out before things turn out for the worst...
Naruto: What do you mean?
Kabuto: Well it's not like you can fight him while he's connected with the nature in his Nature Mode anyways, as he's probably miles away right now, but, with his nature abilities, he's able to be here without being present physically... The reason you should deal with him fast is because the Black Zetsu... The will of Madara... as long as it's alive, Tobi might be resurrected through his soul transferring technique, like he was last time at the end of the 4th Great Shinobi War when he was killed by Sasuke. Well, if any of his soul is still intact after you killed him with your final attack earlier that is...
Naruto: How do you know all this? How do you know that I-...
Kabuto: Never mind that now, just keep in mind that if Tobi gets resurrected, the Shinobi world might be in bigger trouble than what I'll cause... *Smirk*
Naruto: ... Nevertheless, as the Hokage of Konoha, I'll have to stop you both, no matter what. People has entrusted me with their will, their trust that I'll be able to restore balance and create eternal peace in this world. As long as you're around, that won't happen...
Naruto had a confident smile on his face as he stretched his arm out and pointed his finger at Kabuto. Beginning to get a bit annoyed at Naruto for hitting down on him and what he was trying to achieve, Kabuto turned his back on him and walked over to the end of the room. Once there, he picked up three tools, before returning to the barrier where Naruto stood.
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: You see this? Do you know what these tools are??
Naruto: !!
Kabuto: Yes... Those are three of the five treasured tools of the Sage of Six Paths himself...
Naruto: But how?! How have you got your hands on them?? The Amber Purifying Pot and The Crimson Gourd was stolen by Tobi during the 4th Great Shinobi War, he should ha-...
Kabuto: Stored them here...
Naruto: ??
Kabuto: After the Jubi got beat back during the last war, Tobi retreated back here to his hideout, where he stored the two treasured tools he had stolen during the battle... He then accessed the Amber Purifying Pot and retrieved the Golden Canopy Rope from the sealed Kinkaku... I bet you know where the two other treasured tools are Naruto-Kun... The Banana Palm Fan and The Seven Stars Sword...
Naruto: Yeah...
Kabuto: After your inevitable defeat at my hands, you'll show me where they are...
Naruto: And what makes you think you will be able to defeat me you scum...
Kabuto: I don't know, maybe you should take a look behind you...
Naruto: ?!
Naruto slowly turned around as he saw over 30 coffins appearing from the ground.
Naruto: So you really have some Edo Tensei summons left then... This means that you didn't release them earlier, but had them retreat, leaving the Zetsu army to fight on its own...
Kabuto: These are the last ones I have... At least until Sage of Six Paths himself is revived, *Smirk*, The rest got sealed up during the battle...
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: You know Naruto-Kun... sealing souls is not permanently, but only temporary. Each sealing techniques has a weak point... a key... to undo the sealing. The scroll that Suigetsu came across during the last war... The scroll that Orochimaru-Sama had hid away before he was sealed in Sasuke-kun... The scroll that could change the fate of the war completely... It holds the key to undo sealing techniques of any form. As you may already know, Suigetsu was working with me all along... And since Orochimaru-Sama was killed off for the last time during the last war, he eventually handed it over to me... The only other person alive who knows how to utilize it. Orochimaru-Sama... After getting his arms sealed away in the Dead Demon Consuming seal in his fight with Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked high and low for this scroll, but could not find it... Not until after he transferred his body for the last time. I have that scroll in my possession now, and with it, I can release any soul that I want... Any soul who's been sealed by both the Sword of Totsuka, and...
Naruto: !!... You can be serious?!
Kabuto: *Smirk* And... The Dead Demon Consuming Seal...
Naruto: You...
Kabuto reached for one of his pockets, as he brought forth the scroll he was talking about and lifted it up in the air in front of Naruto.
Kabuto: This brings us an interesting opportunity indeed... Naruto-Kun, with this scroll, you can release the souls of the previous Hokages and your father... Release their souls from the torment of the Death God, and bring their souls peace... You can use the power of this scroll to bring them back alive as Edo Tensei! Or, you could risk having to face them in battle... To get this power used against yourself... Just think about it!
Naruto was shocked to hear this as Kabuto reached both his arms out in the air and began laughing maniacally once again. As he did, the 30 or so coffins behind Naruto suddenly opened up as several well-known shinobi stepped out of them. Naruto quickly turned around as he readied himself to face them.
Kabuto: Let's see how your new-found powers can handle this!
[...]
Kiba: What should we do?! Is there really not anything we can do to help them out? I mean, Naruto was able to bring down one barrier before, so shouldn't he be able to bring them all down?
Neji: Don't be ridicules Kiba, you know how strong these barriers are, and you saw what force Naruto had to use to be able to break the previous one.
Sakura: Let's not forget that he blew off his arm in the progress... He could have died by using that attack.
Kiba: But there must be something? Anything?
Choji: Hmm... I don't like this, Kabuto has probably set up a trap or something...
Shikamaru: You guys shouldn't worry so much, have some fate in them!
Ino: But Shikamaru, isn't there anything we can do other than waiting around here like nothing's going on??
Jiraiya: Ino and Kiba's right, there must be something!
Hinata: Jiraiya...
Shikamaru: Hmm... I'm afraid there isn't... Nothing that I can think of right now anyway.
Rock Lee: But you're a genius Shikamaru! If there is anything, you should be able to figure it out, right?
Shikamaru: I know, but it's so troublesome... The barrier can only be taken down by defeating the user or if the user cancels it... Though there seems to be an exception by using brute force on this type of barrier... Brute force that is out of this world... Or if the user sets a specific condition on the barrier, allowing certain individuals to go through it without having to take it down. If we only could find a way to temper with it...
Tenten: If even Shikamaru says that there is nothing we can do, then I guess we'll just have to stay here and wait... At least until further orders from the headquarter.
Shaking her head in disappointment, Tenten sat down on a nearby rock as a small discussion broke out between the shinobi who were stationed outside the cave-entrance.
Sai: Is that it? Is this what you people do when there is nothing else to do??
Seating himself beside Ino, the two of them stared at the barrier as some birds flew by. Shikamaru had also seated himself on a rock as he began meditating, trying to come up with a plan.
Choji: Look! Shikamaru is coming up with a strategy!
Ino: Hush, let him think!
Kurotsuchi: I just hope they are okay... If anything were to happen now, I... I'd-...
Sakura: Don't worry too much, I'm sure they'll be fine.
Kankuro: It's four of our kages after all, so unless Kabuto has found something to match their combined might, there should not be anything to worry about.
Temari: Especially with Naruto's new powers...
Omoi: I just hope Killerbee is alright, I mean, he has already died once, and if he dies again, the rest will be in trouble and their chance of dying increases, and if they end up dead too, we all will be in trouble, and then everyth-...
Karui: Omoi, stop worrying yourself so much all the time!
Jugo (In Thoughts): Suigetsu... It's not like you to disappear like this...
[...]
Onoki: So that's what happened...
Kakashi: Yeah...
A: I see. Well then, we should not take any chances, so we'll keep your brother in a lock-down for now until we have everything under control.
Gai: That might be for the best.
Kakashi: Mhm...
Darui: So Tsunade, Mei, Ao and a minor part of the army is in charge over getting control over the situation in the hidden Mist Village, as well as burring the dead... Don't you think that it's a bit prematurely? I mean, the battle isn't over yet.
A: They'll be fine. The latest report indicates that Kabuto is trapped in some sort of a cave further up north, so we shouldn't have anything to worry about as of now.
Mifune: I agree.
Darui: I see, well everything seems to be under control here at least.
Shikaku: Yeah, as long as we have the com-link network up, there shouldn't be any problem keeping the situation under control, right Inoichi?
Inoichi: Indeed.
Choza: We seem to be close to the end of this war now.
Konohamaru: Yeah and it's about time too! I'm getting tired of waiting around like this...
Akatsuchi: You shouldn't be so impatient young fellow!
Onoki: Haha, you always knew your way with words Akatsuchi!
Shee: You folks are quite in the mood to talk lately it seems...
A: Well, the war seems to have come to an end already, so why not eh?
Baki: I can't help wonder if Naruto, Gaara, Killerbee and Sasuke can handle Kabuto by themselves...
Kakashi: Yeah, I don't really like how the situation has turned out. At this point, we don't really have any control over what's going on in there, do we...
[...]
Naruto: *Pant, Pant, Pant, Pant*
Kabuto: ...
Naruto: *Huff, Huff, Huff*
Kabuto: Impressive... Impressive indeed, Naruto-Kun...
Naruto, standing with his back towards Kabuto, slowly turned his head to the side as his eyes meet with Kabuto's. He was panting heavily as the last Edo tensei had been taken care off and sealed away. Kabuto, clapping his hands in ave of what Naruto had just managed to do, began talking as if those Edo Tensei was only just the beginning.
Kabuto: What powers! That power should be mine someday! To think what i could accomplish!... I must say that those sealing technique of yours were pretty damn dreadful indeed. It's like you sent the souls to the heavens above by merely touching their heads. Boom, in a flash of light and they were gone! But, this... this is far from over yet...
Naruto: *Pant* What are you applauding for *pant*...?
Kabuto had witnessed Naruto taking care of all of the remaining Edo Tensei as he was still occupied with his resurrection ritual on the other side of the barrier.
Kabuto: Well then... let's get on to phase two, shall we? Hopefully, this should be of a more challenge to you...
Kabuto stepped away from the Stone-Table with the corpse of the Sage of Six Paths on, as he got even closer to the barrier. As he walked up, another barrier appeared behind him, blocking the way to the Table. Beside Kabuto, six new coffins appeared to his right as Naruto slowly turned around completely to face him.
Naruto: So you still had some more Edo Tensei after all...
Kabuto: What can I say, I lied... But it was not far from the truth. These are the last ones, I promise you *Smirk*.
Kabuto leaned his right shoulder on the coffin closest to him as he pointed his finger down the line of coffins and at the one on the far left of Naruto's side.
Kabuto: Let's start from my right to left, shall we? Introducing first, he's the eternal rival of the Legendary Uchiha Madara, the co-founder and the 1st Hokage of Konoha... Behold! Hashirama Senju!
As Kabuto pointed at the coffin, it's roof blasted open as none other than Hashirama himself stepped out of it.
Naruto: ?! It... Can't...
Kabuto: I'm sorry... Since I already knew what answer you would give earlier, I had already released his soul from the Death God *Smirk*.
Kabuto then pointed his finger on the next coffin, as he shouted out.
Kabuto: But there's more! What good is Hashirama without his closest friend and brother?! Yes, you've guessed it right, the 2nd Hokage of Konoha, Tobirama Senju!
Another coffin blasted open as Tobirama stepped out of it.
Naruto (In thoughts): It just can't be... And the barrier in front of me is blocking me from being able to stop the coffins from opening... Think Naruto, think, there just have to be something I can do to prevent the rest from opening?!
Pointing at the 4th coffin on his right, Kabuto had an evil look on his face as another fierce foe stepped out.
Kabuto: And now, introducing the God of Shinobi, the one, the only, the 3rd Hokage of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Naruto: I...
Kabuto: And the next one is a bit more intriguing *Smirk*... Let's see... A man who does not really need an introduction... He's the Yellow Flash of Konoha, the 4th Hokage, and yours truly, Minato Namikaze, your father!!!
Naruto: Shit!!
Shocked to witness what people Kabuto was reviving, and being unable to do anything to stop it, Naruto completely froze at the realization of his own father being resurrected before him.
Kabuto: Let's pick it up a notch, shall we?
Kabuto quickly pointed his finger on the two remaining coffins, as he stepped to the side of the one that he was leaning himself on, as the two of them blasted open.
Naruto: No... No... No, you... you... I....
Kabuto: Speechless so soon? Aren't you happy to see your father, mother and your old sensei again!! Kehehehe, Ahahahaha!
Out of the two remaining coffins, came none other than Kushina and Jiraiya, as Naruto was in a state of shock, despair and sorrow, seeing the people Kabuto had summoned.
Kabuto: Oh, and I obviously forgot to mention that, as you can see, I finally acquired the DNA of two of the people I've been looking for, for a long, long, time. At first I thought that it would be interesting to see you fight your own father and the previous Hokages, but with Kushina and Jiraiya-Sama too, things has gotten even more interesting! It took a while, but I acquired their DNA eventually, Naruto-Kun! And of course, all of the Edo Tensei has been infused with Hashirama's cells or DNA from Madara, or even both, *Smirk*, only to make sure they are even stronger than their prime!
Kabuto then stepped backwards and through the barrier where the Stone-Table was behind, as the barrier between Naruto and the Edo Tensei disappeared.
Kabuto: Hopefully, you won't defeat them as easily as the others... I do need some time to make this ritual complete after all!
Naruto: !!
Sweat-drops began streaming down Naruto's face as he found himself in a situation he never had been in before. Unable to come up with a reply, and unable to decide how to deal with the situation, Naruto's body froze as Kabuto went on.
Kabuto: I'll let them have some will of their own eventually, but I'll be in control of their techniques at all times... We wouldn't want another Madara incident, now would we?
Naruto: ...
Kabuto: And speaking of Madara!
From the darkness of the room, two shadows appeared as two men stepped forward. As light, shining on their bodies, slowly began revealing the men's identity, they stepped up from behind Naruto as Naruto quickly turned around, only to find out that it was none other than Madara and Orochimaru themselves!
Naruto: How... Why... When... What?!
Kabuto: *Smirk*, it seems like you're really at a disadvantage this time Naruto-Kun...
Naruto couldn't utter a word as he saw eight fierce foes standing around him. All powerful people from the past, and to top it all, both his father, mother and Jiraiya sensei were there as well.
Naruto: Edo Madara was sealed during the last war, how can it be?! You can't do this Kabuto, you know what happened last time! And Orochimaru too??...
Kabuto: Kehehehe, don't worry about that Naruto, as you got other things to worry about now. Besides, I won't let any of them have a full lease as that would be too dangerous... Now you'll really get to test your new powers, against the strongest shinobi throughout history! Will you be able to overcome this task I wonder... Orochimaru-Sama betrayed me when he returned in the past war, so you shouldn't be so surprised. Besides, the immortal form of Edo Tensei... Orochimaru-Sama always chased immortality after all, so I guess this was one way to fulfill his dream *Smirk*. Let's switch them to battle mode for now... If you do well, I might let them have some consciousness later on. After all, who would want to miss out on your reunion with Jiraiya-Sensei, your father and your mother? *Smirk*.
The eight Edo Tensei began circling Naruto as their eyes suddenly turned red.
Kabuto: This is it Naruto, prepare yourself!!
Naruto: !!
~ End of Chapter 8
Next time, the inevitable battle begins!
Fun Facts:
1: I've always been using "unseen" flashbacks throughout my story, but last chapter, and one time during this one, I used flashback from already seen scenes in earlier chapters of my series for the first time, Kishimoto-style. In this chapter however, I actually used a flashback that showed something that happened in the manga, long time ago. Do you know which part that was?
2: Oh, and another fun fact for you! There's a reference to The Expendables 2 in this chapter, did you see it?
3: This chapter showed ideas that I've had for almost two years time now. The end with the six coffins, plus everything that happened from the point they entered The Cave of Ordeals, until the point where the chapter ended (Suigetsu being a bad guy), were ideas that I've had forever, and I'm so glad I finally could put them on paper to show you guys! The whole Suigetsu thing has been on my mind ever since I wrote Sasuke Chronicles 3 and chapter 13 of my original, where there was a spy whom blew up the Mizukage mansion, crazy huh? xD
4: Number of words in this chapter: 10 330 xD Number of letters (without spacing): 60 300
Makes me wonder what the new limit of letters in one post on NB are...Author's Note:
* First of all, this is the longest chapter ever, period, lol. But not only that, personally, I think that this chapter has the best content, story-driven element, and not to forget my craziest twists and cliffhanger ever out of all my chapters so far. Might not be the best artistic nor fight-driven one, but I do think that this might at least be in top 3. Tell me if you agree
* I said that there was a certain number of chapters left at the end of the last chapter. Thinking twice about it, and as you may understand by reading this chapter, I have some upcoming parts that might take more chapters than what I originally thought. There are three upcoming events that I thought would take three long chapters to fill, but it might actually turn out to need 6-9 normal sized chapters to fill instead. We shall see.
* The Answer to the riddle on my last chapter was my avatar. The four pictures I have each represent something that has to do with my current and upcoming FFs. The first, like I said before, is the Hokage Naruto art which represent this FF. The next is the Sage of Six Paths which represent a short FF that I will be doing after this one. The third is the Master Sword from the Zelda series and it represent the weapon that will make an appearance in my upcoming FFs. 4th and last, is an art of the famed warrior Lu Bu, which represent the FF I've been meaning to do for ages, the original FF named Three Kingdoms, which I wrote the first chapter of almost two years ago. So there you have it! I have this sequel to finish, then another one and an one shot/short movie, before I will move on to my So6p work, and then I'll finally pick up Three Kingdoms. And who knows, maybe some time in the future, me Kuroi Honoo and Escorpiius will finally be able to kick off our long awaited collaboration FF
Only time will tell.* Not sure when I'll release the next chapter, but probably right after New Year's Eve. The next chapter is already done btw, and it's a short one for my standards, about 1/2 to 1/3 of this one. So with that, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I hope you will have a wonderful new year
Also want to thank everyone who has been supporting me these past months, you guys are awesome! Any and all comments are appreciated btw! ^^---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You must be registered for see links
Released!
Last edited:
