Naruto: Blades of Fate
Chapter 3: United Front
Just has all hope was lost, Naruto miraculously returns to Konoha. Now in Sage Mode, Naruto prepares to exact vengeance on Pain and Kiyoji has now activated his Bankai, Roku Tsurugi. Now that both of Konoha’s stalwart heroes have entered battle together, will their combined might be enough to defeat the Six Paths of Pain?
While Naruto and Kiyoji fought Pain with toad elders supporting them, Gamakinchi brought Tsunade over to Sakura. Tsunade’s chakra finally ran out and her body began to match her actually age. Sakura immediately rushed to her side, fearing for her master’s life.
“I wouldn’t worry too much,” Rukia said assuredly “Her reiatsu maybe low but she’s in no danger of dying”. Seconds later there was a bright flash, emanating from where Kiyoji was standing. They noticed that the sword was different in shape but due to their distance that’s all they could tell. Immediately, they heard Kiyoji shout “Roku Tsurugi”.
“Roku Tsurugi?” One of the ANBU wondered aloud, “What is that?”
“It’s the name of Kiyoji’s zanpakto,” Rukia responded, “or rather it’s the name of his Bankai. The form you saw it in earlier was Ichi Tsurugi.” Moments later, Renji and Uryu arrived at their location. Renji’s left arm was slung over Uryu’s shoulder and had a few gashes along his chest. Upon reaching Rukia, Renji collapsed on the ground with Uryu not too far behind.
“Damn it, I knew we should have brought Orihime with us” Rukia said upon seeing her comrades’ bloodied appearance. Sakura approached the pair and began to heal Renji. Rukia looked on surprised that she would heal someone she didn’t even know.
“Any friend of Kiyoji’s is a friend of mine.” Sakura said with a smile.
“So where were we?” Kiyoji said with determination. Not content with waiting for the pair to make a move, Animal Path Pain summoned a behemoth of a rhinoceros and sent it headlong into opposing group. Without hesitation, Naruto intercepted the beast grabbing its horn and forcing the creature into the ground. Two more beasts followed behind the first. In one motion, Naruto quickly summoned two Shadow Clones, both armed with Rasengans. They launched themselves at the two beasts while Naruto used that momentum to launch himself at the mob of Pain. He was met by Preta Pain and Naruto responded with Sage-chakra enhanced punches. It seemed that he missed at first glance but the energy behind the blow hit Pain with full force, knocking him several yards away. Pressing the advantage, Kiyoji followed close behind Naruto, lunging for Deva Pain. Human Pain intercepted him with spear in hand, their blades interlocking one another. Confident that he was properly distracted, Deva Pain moved in for the kill, aiming for his back. Suddenly, Kiyoji detached a smaller sword from Roku Tsurugi. He easily blocked Deva Pain’s attack, knocking Human Pain off balance in the process. He cut through Human’s spear and subsequently cutting him in half. He then spun around and jumped towards Deva Pain. They blocked each other’s blows and Kiyoji was forced back. It was during this brawl that Kiyoji was obstructing Pain’s view of Naruto and once he withdrew from the melee it revealed that he was just a distraction.
“Wind Style: Rasenshuriken!” Naruto threw it with great ferocity towards his enemy. Just as it was about to hit the mark, Preta Pain intercepted the technique, absorbing its chakra.
“I see you’ve become a Sage just like Master Jiraiya” Pain plainly stated.
“Master Jiraiya?” Naruto asked confused as to why Pain would refer to him with that title.
“That’s right” Pain continued “I studied under him too. We’re both disciples of the same master, so we should understand each other. Come quietly, your death shall lead to peace.” Naruto was about to burst enraged after hearing this but before he could charge in he was stopped.
“Naruto, calm down” Kiyoji stated bluntly, “Whether or not what he is saying is true doesn’t matter, he’s trying to throw you off. So just calm down and focus.” He noticed that the Pain that blocked Naruto was incapacitated earlier in the battle but was now miraculously unharmed. The same could be said of Human path Pain, whom he had cut in half only seconds earlier. He surveyed the battlefield, noted where each Pain was positioned. Preta, Human, and Animal paths were in front with Naraka path in the back. Deva Path was positioned in between the two groups. “That one must be the key to this” Kiyoji thought to himself.
“I have an idea” Kiyoji said motioning to Naruto, “follow my lead.” Confused at first, Naruto quickly ascertained his plan. Naruto stepped right behind. Taking a low guard, Kiyoji burst forward, b-lining straight for Naraka Pain. The first group moved in to block his advance, ready to attack. He seemed to have been cornered but this was what he was counting on. Kiyoji stopped abruptly, winding up swinging his sword. The three Pains moved in to block the blow, but all was not as it seemed, for as he reached mid-swing, Naruto was clinging to the blade with two Rasengans primed.
“TAKE THIS, BASTARD”, Kiyoji shouted as he swung his sword with all of his might. Naruto flew through the air, heading straight to Naraka Pain. Before Pain could react, Naruto pulverized him into the ground. Keeping up the momentum, Kiyoji engaged the three Pains in front of him. They each lunged at him from different directions with spear in hand. Dodging them with ease, Kiyoji in turn responded with a series of slashes and blocks. Suddenly, sensing a large chakra source barreling in on him, Kiyoji leaped out of the melee. Naruto launched another Rasenshuriken with great speed and accuracy, cutting Human Path Pain in half through the waist. Naruto then charged towards Animal Path Pain with a set of shadow clones. He got below her guard, kicking her into the air. The shadow clones followed up with a series of kicks that launched her further into the air. Finally, Naruto came from above with a Giant Rasengan, bringing Pain back down to earth. Realizing he was at a disadvantage, Preta and Deva Pain regroup in order to re-evaluate the situation.
“That’s 4 down” Kiyoji said smirking, “There’s only two left, take your pick.” Naruto, stilled filled with rage, charged forward at the last two paths with a Rasengan in each hand.
“Time’s up” Deva Pain said plainly, for as Naruto was about to make contact, his powers recharged.
“SHINRA TENSEI” Pain yelled blocking Naruto’s attack. He was knocked completely off balance. Seeing an opening, Preta Pain lunged at Naruto, securing him in his grip and began absorbing all of his chakra. Kiyoji dashed forward, attempting to save is comrade. Just as was about to strike down Preta Pain, he too, was repulsed by Shinra Tensei. He was hurled several yards away into the crater’s wall. Naruto attempted to break free from Pain’s grip, but is unable to move. “Since I can’t move, that means….” He began to take in natural energy, which was then absorbed by Pain. He generated more and more nature until……Pain absorbed too much natural energy and suffered from Frog Petrifaction.
“I see, so there’s risk involved using the Sage jutsu” Pain observed.
“Careful, boy” Fukasaku said, “He can use gravity against his opponents” Kiyoji returned to the fray, still shaken from being hurled into the crater’s wall.
“Well, what do you propose then? Even as fast as I am, that move of his just makes short work of it”
“Ma and I can use a genjutsu against ‘em, it’ll throw him off balance, just hold ‘em off until we can use it.” Kiyoji nodded and moved in to assist Naruto. Just as they were about to prepare the genjutsu, Pain pulled Fukasaku to him using Bansho Te’nin and impaled him with a spear, seemingly killing him.
“I’ve seen this genjutsu before….” Pain bluntly stated. Naruto attempted to attack Pain, but was easily blocked. He impaled Naruto to the ground with a spear by nailing both his hands to the ground.
“I told you before, through justice I will bring peace” Pain plainly stated. He was about to say more but was interrupted.
“YOU CALL THIS PEACE??” Kiyoji shouted as he charged at Pain. He lunged at him, his sword aiming for his back. Pain blocked the attack with ease and repulsed him with Shinra Tensei. Within an instant, Pain appeared above Kiyoji with spears in each hand. He lunged with great speed, stabbing into Kiyoji’s left leg and lower abdomen, impaling him into the ground.
“You call this Justice? You destroyed everything and everyone I knew and you call this peace?” Naruto replied in anger.
“Then what do you want?” Pain asked.
“I WANT TO DEFEAT YOU AND BRING PEACE TO THE SHINOBI WORLD” Naruto shouted.
“Good, that is justice. But you see everyone and everything I knew was destroyed. Do you think that Konoha is the only one allowed to preach about peace and justice?” Pain replied. “The justice I have meted out against Konoha is the same justice you’re meting out against me…”
“I’ve heard enough”, Pain turned around facing where the voice was coming from.
“Hado #63 Raikōhō” Kiyoji muttered with his right hand extended outward. From his hand a bolt of yellow lightning exploded outward towards Pain. Just as it was about to its target, Pain simple tilted his head, Kiyoji’s attack rendered useless. He approached him, drawing a spear.
“You have out lived your usefulness” Pain stated, plunging the spear through Kiyoji’s upper chest...
Chapter 3: United Front
Just has all hope was lost, Naruto miraculously returns to Konoha. Now in Sage Mode, Naruto prepares to exact vengeance on Pain and Kiyoji has now activated his Bankai, Roku Tsurugi. Now that both of Konoha’s stalwart heroes have entered battle together, will their combined might be enough to defeat the Six Paths of Pain?
While Naruto and Kiyoji fought Pain with toad elders supporting them, Gamakinchi brought Tsunade over to Sakura. Tsunade’s chakra finally ran out and her body began to match her actually age. Sakura immediately rushed to her side, fearing for her master’s life.
“I wouldn’t worry too much,” Rukia said assuredly “Her reiatsu maybe low but she’s in no danger of dying”. Seconds later there was a bright flash, emanating from where Kiyoji was standing. They noticed that the sword was different in shape but due to their distance that’s all they could tell. Immediately, they heard Kiyoji shout “Roku Tsurugi”.
“Roku Tsurugi?” One of the ANBU wondered aloud, “What is that?”
“It’s the name of Kiyoji’s zanpakto,” Rukia responded, “or rather it’s the name of his Bankai. The form you saw it in earlier was Ichi Tsurugi.” Moments later, Renji and Uryu arrived at their location. Renji’s left arm was slung over Uryu’s shoulder and had a few gashes along his chest. Upon reaching Rukia, Renji collapsed on the ground with Uryu not too far behind.
“Damn it, I knew we should have brought Orihime with us” Rukia said upon seeing her comrades’ bloodied appearance. Sakura approached the pair and began to heal Renji. Rukia looked on surprised that she would heal someone she didn’t even know.
“Any friend of Kiyoji’s is a friend of mine.” Sakura said with a smile.
……..
“So where were we?” Kiyoji said with determination. Not content with waiting for the pair to make a move, Animal Path Pain summoned a behemoth of a rhinoceros and sent it headlong into opposing group. Without hesitation, Naruto intercepted the beast grabbing its horn and forcing the creature into the ground. Two more beasts followed behind the first. In one motion, Naruto quickly summoned two Shadow Clones, both armed with Rasengans. They launched themselves at the two beasts while Naruto used that momentum to launch himself at the mob of Pain. He was met by Preta Pain and Naruto responded with Sage-chakra enhanced punches. It seemed that he missed at first glance but the energy behind the blow hit Pain with full force, knocking him several yards away. Pressing the advantage, Kiyoji followed close behind Naruto, lunging for Deva Pain. Human Pain intercepted him with spear in hand, their blades interlocking one another. Confident that he was properly distracted, Deva Pain moved in for the kill, aiming for his back. Suddenly, Kiyoji detached a smaller sword from Roku Tsurugi. He easily blocked Deva Pain’s attack, knocking Human Pain off balance in the process. He cut through Human’s spear and subsequently cutting him in half. He then spun around and jumped towards Deva Pain. They blocked each other’s blows and Kiyoji was forced back. It was during this brawl that Kiyoji was obstructing Pain’s view of Naruto and once he withdrew from the melee it revealed that he was just a distraction.
“Wind Style: Rasenshuriken!” Naruto threw it with great ferocity towards his enemy. Just as it was about to hit the mark, Preta Pain intercepted the technique, absorbing its chakra.
“I see you’ve become a Sage just like Master Jiraiya” Pain plainly stated.
“Master Jiraiya?” Naruto asked confused as to why Pain would refer to him with that title.
“That’s right” Pain continued “I studied under him too. We’re both disciples of the same master, so we should understand each other. Come quietly, your death shall lead to peace.” Naruto was about to burst enraged after hearing this but before he could charge in he was stopped.
“Naruto, calm down” Kiyoji stated bluntly, “Whether or not what he is saying is true doesn’t matter, he’s trying to throw you off. So just calm down and focus.” He noticed that the Pain that blocked Naruto was incapacitated earlier in the battle but was now miraculously unharmed. The same could be said of Human path Pain, whom he had cut in half only seconds earlier. He surveyed the battlefield, noted where each Pain was positioned. Preta, Human, and Animal paths were in front with Naraka path in the back. Deva Path was positioned in between the two groups. “That one must be the key to this” Kiyoji thought to himself.
“I have an idea” Kiyoji said motioning to Naruto, “follow my lead.” Confused at first, Naruto quickly ascertained his plan. Naruto stepped right behind. Taking a low guard, Kiyoji burst forward, b-lining straight for Naraka Pain. The first group moved in to block his advance, ready to attack. He seemed to have been cornered but this was what he was counting on. Kiyoji stopped abruptly, winding up swinging his sword. The three Pains moved in to block the blow, but all was not as it seemed, for as he reached mid-swing, Naruto was clinging to the blade with two Rasengans primed.
“TAKE THIS, BASTARD”, Kiyoji shouted as he swung his sword with all of his might. Naruto flew through the air, heading straight to Naraka Pain. Before Pain could react, Naruto pulverized him into the ground. Keeping up the momentum, Kiyoji engaged the three Pains in front of him. They each lunged at him from different directions with spear in hand. Dodging them with ease, Kiyoji in turn responded with a series of slashes and blocks. Suddenly, sensing a large chakra source barreling in on him, Kiyoji leaped out of the melee. Naruto launched another Rasenshuriken with great speed and accuracy, cutting Human Path Pain in half through the waist. Naruto then charged towards Animal Path Pain with a set of shadow clones. He got below her guard, kicking her into the air. The shadow clones followed up with a series of kicks that launched her further into the air. Finally, Naruto came from above with a Giant Rasengan, bringing Pain back down to earth. Realizing he was at a disadvantage, Preta and Deva Pain regroup in order to re-evaluate the situation.
“That’s 4 down” Kiyoji said smirking, “There’s only two left, take your pick.” Naruto, stilled filled with rage, charged forward at the last two paths with a Rasengan in each hand.
“Time’s up” Deva Pain said plainly, for as Naruto was about to make contact, his powers recharged.
“SHINRA TENSEI” Pain yelled blocking Naruto’s attack. He was knocked completely off balance. Seeing an opening, Preta Pain lunged at Naruto, securing him in his grip and began absorbing all of his chakra. Kiyoji dashed forward, attempting to save is comrade. Just as was about to strike down Preta Pain, he too, was repulsed by Shinra Tensei. He was hurled several yards away into the crater’s wall. Naruto attempted to break free from Pain’s grip, but is unable to move. “Since I can’t move, that means….” He began to take in natural energy, which was then absorbed by Pain. He generated more and more nature until……Pain absorbed too much natural energy and suffered from Frog Petrifaction.
“I see, so there’s risk involved using the Sage jutsu” Pain observed.
“Careful, boy” Fukasaku said, “He can use gravity against his opponents” Kiyoji returned to the fray, still shaken from being hurled into the crater’s wall.
“Well, what do you propose then? Even as fast as I am, that move of his just makes short work of it”
“Ma and I can use a genjutsu against ‘em, it’ll throw him off balance, just hold ‘em off until we can use it.” Kiyoji nodded and moved in to assist Naruto. Just as they were about to prepare the genjutsu, Pain pulled Fukasaku to him using Bansho Te’nin and impaled him with a spear, seemingly killing him.
“I’ve seen this genjutsu before….” Pain bluntly stated. Naruto attempted to attack Pain, but was easily blocked. He impaled Naruto to the ground with a spear by nailing both his hands to the ground.
“I told you before, through justice I will bring peace” Pain plainly stated. He was about to say more but was interrupted.
“YOU CALL THIS PEACE??” Kiyoji shouted as he charged at Pain. He lunged at him, his sword aiming for his back. Pain blocked the attack with ease and repulsed him with Shinra Tensei. Within an instant, Pain appeared above Kiyoji with spears in each hand. He lunged with great speed, stabbing into Kiyoji’s left leg and lower abdomen, impaling him into the ground.
“You call this Justice? You destroyed everything and everyone I knew and you call this peace?” Naruto replied in anger.
“Then what do you want?” Pain asked.
“I WANT TO DEFEAT YOU AND BRING PEACE TO THE SHINOBI WORLD” Naruto shouted.
“Good, that is justice. But you see everyone and everything I knew was destroyed. Do you think that Konoha is the only one allowed to preach about peace and justice?” Pain replied. “The justice I have meted out against Konoha is the same justice you’re meting out against me…”
“I’ve heard enough”, Pain turned around facing where the voice was coming from.
“Hado #63 Raikōhō” Kiyoji muttered with his right hand extended outward. From his hand a bolt of yellow lightning exploded outward towards Pain. Just as it was about to its target, Pain simple tilted his head, Kiyoji’s attack rendered useless. He approached him, drawing a spear.
“You have out lived your usefulness” Pain stated, plunging the spear through Kiyoji’s upper chest...