Chapter 71: Chapter 25: Valley Of The End
Chapter 25: Valley Of The End
Naruto stared bewildered at the body in the rubble. As the dust slowly cleared revealing it completely, he shook his head as he realised a familiar occurrence with a certain Uchiha. In the decimated rock and earth lay the body of a blue haired female with the cloak of an Akatsuki.
A clapping sound resonated throughout the valley garnering the attention of the jinchuuriki to the location of its source. Naruto followed the sound to the humongous waterfall where the two statues were carved facing each other, on the head of the statue opposite the Shodaime, stood the leader of the Akatsuki with a smirk across his face.
Naruto sighed before making his way onto the river to get a better view of the criminal, "So, your partners are just sacrifices for you?"
The leader of the notorious organisation folded his arms before replying, "Everyone's existence serves a purpose…she fulfilled hers."
The jinchuuriki stopped in the middle of the river, his anger growing as he heard the words of the criminal. He looked directly at his enemy, "This time, I'll make sure I kill you."
His comment caused the S-ranked criminal to laugh. The laughter slowly died out as the leader fixed his crimson eyes on the leaf-nin, "That body of hers was only able to withstand half of my chakra…and with it I couldn't perform my strongest abilities…"
Naruto froze as he heard the criminal speak since his previous fight hadn't been entirely easy. From what he could tell he wasn't stronger by the clone that much and if the leader was really twice as strong in his original form then he was in trouble. He refused to let his wariness show as he gritted his teeth and spoke, "I haven't shown the full extent of my abilities either so don't be overconfident."
The criminal displayed a serious demeanour as he responded, "It has been a long time since I've been forced to go this far…you should be honoured to experience this…" The black circles in his crimson eyes began to swirl rapidly before slowly settling.
Naruto's eyes widened as he looked into the crimson and black marks of the last thing he expected to encounter when facing the remaining Akatsuki, "Sharingan?"
The leader unfolded his arms before pointing to his eyes, "I only need these to keep up with your speed…" He pointed to his head, "This is what you will fear."
Naruto raised an eyebrow at the peculiar remarks not understanding exactly what he was talking about. He didn't have time to contemplate as the criminal launched himself from the spot on top of the statue's head straight towards him.
Naruto braced himself as he realised the velocity at which his opponent was approaching. He brought up his arm up to the side of his head blocking the fierce kick, the force of which made him stumble a few steps to the side. The leader didn't relent as he quickly turned trying to land another kick to the other side of his head. Naruto rapidly brought both hands to the other side of his head, once again successfully blocking, but he was forced to move back due to the impact. He quickly grabbed the criminal's leg while he was in the air but was surprised when the orange haired male simultaneously turned upside down and drove a fist into his stomach.
Naruto coughed out blood as he was sent flying backwards and consequently letting go of his grip on the criminal's leg leaving the leader to land softly on the water. The soaring blonde adjusted himself landing on the river surface with his feet. He wiped the trickle of blood from his mouth looking at the expressionless face of the criminal, 'What happened? It's like he knew.'
Naruto shook himself out of his stupor as he charged at the still shinobi and began a combination of punches, he threw as many as he could, satisfied with the fact that it seemed their speed was on par with each other. As he saw an opening he threw his fist at the criminals head but instead of connecting the leader avoided it at the last second ducking under it and placing one of his own in his ribs before following with an elbow to his face and finally a roundhouse kick resulting in him rolling several feet across the water.
Naruto regained his feet swiftly producing 4 shadow clones to aid him. They all ran at the orange haired male throwing multiple combinations as the leader dodged and parried all of their attacks. He moved away from their fists and kicks at the last second before twisting and waiting for another of their attacks. Naruto tried to understand why the criminal could anticipate his attacks and move away from them at the last moment before they connected.
As his mind was in haywire, he failed to recognise the criminal beginning his own onslaught and swiftly getting rid of his clones. His eyes widened as he realised that he was about to get hit. He dodged under the incoming fist only to meet a hard knee into his face before the criminal moved around him and kicked him in his back making his face meet the surface of the water with a resounding impact. The leader of the Akatsuki didn't stop his combination as he jumped into the air spinning several times before coming down with an axe kick into the jinchuuriki's back.
Naruto let out a muffled scream into the water as the pain flowed through his body. Out of instinct he twisted onto his front, rapidly forming seals, "Suiton Daibakufu No Jutsu!" The water around Naruto exploded as it rose and charged at his enemy.
The orange haired criminal began to jump backwards swiftly, in order to avoid the large amount of oncoming water. As he created enough distance to give him a few seconds, he formed his own hand seals, "Chingo Fukikesu!" He blew out a wall of blazing fire as it rose to conceal him behind it. The large volume of water rushed into the wall of fire causing it to sizzle in protest as the rest of the water rushed past the criminal's defense.
Naruto flipped onto his feet as he saw the frenzied water calm and reveal the guarding fire concealing his opponent. He tightened his fist as the flames slowly evaporated into the air showing the unharmed criminal.
The sharingan wielder grinned as he saw the displeased state of the jinchuuriki, "Cheer up, you'll enjoy this next part…since you like to play with clones so much." Naruto prepared himself as fire began to flow off the body of his opponent before rushing to the valley walls. The mud from the walls slowly began to slide off and fuse with the flames as it split into four and the shapes began to form.
Naruto's eyes widened as he saw the flickering flames develop limbs of fire and stand upright. He could see the faint outline of someone behind the raging fire but the only visible evidence that they weren't completely made of the deadly element were the crimson eyes staring at him as well as the pairs of feet.
The four creations of earth and fire jumped towards their creator as they stood by his side. The sharingan wielder spoke menacingly, "I call them the Ikijigoku."
Naruto prepared himself as they charged at him. He began to dodge as they tried to punch him from various angles. Moving to the side of one of the clones, he avoided its punch, before promptly withdrawing a kunai and thrusting it in the space between his eyes. However, his attempt failed as he saw the kunai go through the fire as if there was no solid entity behind it. His momentary distraction resulted in him feeling a barrage of attacks from the remaining clones as the flames burnt him but he quickly recovered before rolling underneath them and flipping to a distance.
He panted as a cut was open above his right eye causing the blood to flow down his face. His arms were burnt and scratched as the pain sent a tingling sensation inside his body. He looked at the four entities before turning his head to the side and looking at their creator who was watching the show. 'What's going on? They're definitely solid, I can feel their punches but why did my kunai go right through him like he was nothing.'
He turned back to the beings that now seemed to fit their names perfectly. 'They are solid; he said clones and I saw mud mix with that fire…which means they're manipulating their bodies behind that fire…' He hoped he was right in his assumption as he produced four shadow clones of his own immediately, before turning to them and nodding. He held out both his hands as the air around them began to change, "Souansha Heijin!" The weapons of wind materialised into his hands and took shape in the form of two swords as he jumped backwards and his clones stood in front of him.
The Ikijigoku began to run across the surface of the water hastily causing it to splash. The shadow clones of Naruto concurrently performed hand seals before shouting, "Suiton Suiryudan No Jutsu!" Their techniques made four dragons of water rise out of the river before speeding to the attacking enemies and impacting against their bodies.
Naruto waited to see what effect the water caused against the fire surrounding the creations of the Akatsuki leader. He gave a sigh of relief followed by a smirk as he saw a sign of brown mud behind the swirling dragons made of water. He ignored the blood trickling down his face as he brought up his weapons of wind and began to rapidly spin, "Kage Mai Keibatsu!"
The leader of the Akatsuki became alert as he realised what might happen. He focused on the spinning Naruto but before he could make a move, the shinobi vanished. He instantly turned to where his creations were as he saw something appear near one of them and decapitate him. He knew that it was too late for them as he concentrated on the shadow clones of Naruto.
Naruto continued after his first decapitation as he reappeared next to the other three clones and twisted, sending out a sharp wind from his blades towards them. He smiled as he saw the wind cut through them and leave the mud to fall into the water below. However, his smile disappeared when he heard the sounds his clones being dispelled, but not on his command, followed by a pain in his stomach as he saw the leader of the Akatsuki in front of him with his fist.
The swords in his hand dematerialized due to the lack of concentration as Naruto grabbed the criminal's hand and pulled him upwards for a punch of his own. The orange haired male avoided the attack at the last second before spinning and kicking his head. Naruto was swept off his feet at the force behind the kick as he felt another kick to his ribs sending him forcefully into the water below.
As the jinchuuriki recovered from the pain he opened his eyes, drifting deeper into the river. He could see the figure of his opponent on the surface of the river, 'How…how is he doing that? It's like he's…' The blonde's thoughts flashed to when the sharingan wielder pointed to his head, '…like he's reading my mind. He waits until I've made my decision on what to do…that's why he keeps dodging at the last second.'
He inwardly sighed as he only knew of one way that could possibly work against the criminal's frightening ability. He closed his eyes as he focused on creating a mental link with the demon inside of him. 'Kyuubi…are you there?'
He heard a growl in the depths of his mind as the mighty voice of the Kyuubi came to him, "Fool, why do you disturb me?"
Naruto responded calmly not wanting to infuriate the demon even more since he needed his cooperation, '…I need your help.'
He could feel the anger of the Kitsune at his words, "Pathetic weakling! Fight your own battles and don't come crawling to me as if I am at your every whim."
Naruto shook his head, 'Kuso...I'm coming to you since you're the only one that can help. My mind is being invaded and I can't win at this rate…if I die, so do you or have you forgotten?'
There was a silence in his head momentarily as the demon fox answered more coolly than before, "Who is your opponent?"
Naruto turned in the water as he began to swim to the top, 'The leader of the Akatsuki.'
The proud demon responded, "So the time has come…" Naruto continued swimming as he reached the surface of the river. He assumed the demon was willing to help him as he didn't argue even though the mental link was still present.
Naruto exited the water and stood on top looking at the sharingan wielder. The leader of the Akatsuki stretched his neck, "I expected you to recover far quicker…maybe I have overestimated you."
Naruto smirked as he replied, "Don't worry about that, I just needed a way to block against your mind reading abilities…" He could see a disturbance within the eyes of the criminal at his comment, "Heh heh, I think you underestimated me."
The orange haired criminal stared at the genin for a few moments, "He is helping you."
Naruto raised an eyebrow at his comment but he was taken by surprise as he felt himself be pulled inside his mind instantly. He looked around to see that he was in the dark location of the Kyuubi as the cage towered in front of him. He rose to his feet as he stared at the criminal to his left, "How?"
His question wasn't answered as the menacing chakra hidden behind the metal bars walked forwards to have his appearance seen. The Kyuubi's chakra flared ferociously as he stared at the orange haired male next to Naruto, "Your appearance has changed…but there is no mistaking that chakra…the chakra of the King of the Underworld."
The leader of the Akatsuki looked at the bars holding the demon at bay before resuming staring into his crimson eyes, "It seems that the greatest of the tailed beasts can be controlled."
Naruto looked at the two speak knowing by their words that they had previously met each other. The Kyuubi had an immense look of anger within his crimson eyes, "I am surprised you managed to survive those injuries, coward. This time you will die." The demon threw out his paw from within the cage as it flew towards the sharingan wielder.
The criminal raised his hand stopping the attack inches from himself, "Why do you try when you know that I have power over all jinchuuriki?"
The Kyuubi withdrew his large paw back into his cage, "If you were so confident, you would have finished our battle instead of running away after I decimated your pet."
The criminal laughed at the Kitsune, "I was given power over jinchuuriki not bijuu. I merely made a tactical retreat."
The demon spat out his words, "For 50 years, pitiful and frail is all you are."
Naruto was amazed as he heard the demon say the amount of time that had passed between their prior encounter. He observed the spiky haired male who looked as if he was only 30. The leader of the Akatsuki ran a hand through his orange hair, "You are the one who is pitiful, relying on a human for your survival…rest assured your death is inevitable."
Kyuubi bared his teeth as he looked down at the shinobi, "You will fail…Uchiha Madara!"
Naruto was thrown out of his subconscious as he quickly regained awareness of his surroundings. He jumped to the side as Madara tried to hit him with his fist and returned with a punch of his own. Naruto smirked as he saw the criminal block his punch knowing his mind reading abilities were ineffective now. He increased in speed as he threw a flurry of punches at the sharingan wielder. Madara dodged as much as he could before he was caught with one across his jaw reeling him a little.
Naruto capitalised on the distracted state of his enemy and unleashed a barrage of punches into his stomach making him cough up blood before jumping up and kneeing him across the face. Unfinished with his attack, he landed behind Madara and drove his elbow into his spine before grabbing his hair and pulling him backwards. Putting all his strength into his leg, he swiftly kicked him across the face sending him flying across the river and into the valley wall.
Naruto dashed across the river before jumping with his leg outstretched into the stomach of Madara, he spun in mid-air to land another kick to his face but the criminal ducked underneath before ruthlessly driving his fist into Naruto's precious place. Naruto felt an immense amount of pain vibrate through every part of his body as Madara grabbed his arm and jumped towards the ground below.
The blonde's eyes began to glaze as he didn't pay attention to what was happening. Madara tightened his grip on the jinchuuriki's left arm as he approached the ground, putting forward his knee he drove the arm of the disillusioned genin across his leg backwards. The sound of Naruto's arm breaking coincided with their impact on the hard ground below.
Naruto let out a bloodcurdling scream as the new pain awakened him from his disturbed state. As quickly as he could he swept the legs of the Uchiha from under him before flipping onto his feet and creating distance between the two. He panted, holding his arm as he felt the pain flow through his body. Grinding his teeth, he tried his hardest to not concentrate on the intense pain that he was feeling.
Madara rose as he saw the weakened state of the jinchuuriki, "The end is near I believe."
Naruto quickly thought of what to do next since he needed time to recover so that he could move properly. He bit his thumb as he shook his head, "Not yet." Slamming his hand into the ground, he shouted, "Kuchiyose No Jutsu!"
A large amount of smoke enveloped the area before slowly fading away to reveal an orange toad who stood over 30 feet. He wore a dark green vest leaving his arms revealed as well as a sword strapped to his side. The toad had a pipe in his mouth as he pulled it away coughing. Blowing out the rest of the smoke he threw the large pipe into the water resulting in a huge splash, "Pops was right, maybe I should wait before taking on that habit." The large toad looked around before his eyes set themselves on his summoner, "It's been nearly a year since you summoned me. What happened to all that stuff about me being your personal summon…is that…how…you…" He stopped speaking as he realised the state the blonde was in.
Naruto grinned, "It's good to see you too Gamakichi."
The growing toad adopted a serious demeanour before he turned to face Madara, "It is dishonourable for a summon to face a human…" Naruto jumped onto the head of his friend as he continued to look into the crimson eyes of the Uchiha, "…but you'll pay for hurting the kid."
Madara raised an eyebrow at the threat from the orange toad, "Do you believe that I don't have a summon of my own?" Not giving them time to answer he bit his thumb before slamming it into the ground as another burst of smoke engulfed the area blinding their view.
A shriek filled the valley echoing throughout it as Naruto grabbed his ears. From the top of the smoke Madara's form began to rise as if he were standing on something. Moments later the flapping of winds was heard as the creature carrying him flew into the sky revealing its glorious appearance. The summon remained still in the air staring down at the opponents it had been called to face while it's golden wings, the tips of which were flickering with flames, continued flapping to maintain flight. The golden bird with highlights of a magnificent red flowing through his fur narrowed his yellow eyes, the scars on his body visible as it seemed he had been through countless battles.
Naruto's mouth was open as Gamakichi wore a similar expression, "A Phoenix is your summon." The toad raised his eyes looking at Naruto, "You called me to face that; are you crazy?"
The disbelieving eyes of Naruto focused on his own summon, "I summoned you because I needed time to recover. How was I supposed to know something like that existed?"
Gamakichi placed his webbed hand on the hilt of his sword making sure he was prepared, "It is the fate of the strong to endure great battles."
Naruto sat down on the toad's head, "What are you talking about?"
Gamakichi coughed as he looked towards the sky at the glorious Phoenix, "Pops is making me learn all these codes of the warrior or something…don't ruin the moment."
Naruto shook his head as he also stared in the direction of his enemies. Madara stood on top his summon's head with pride as the Phoenix which was around twice the size of Gamakichi spoke in its brusque voice, "It has been a while Madara…since the battle with the demon I believe…you must be in trouble if you require my assistance."
Madara wiped the blood slowly protruding from his mouth, "The demon resides within the boy Zarenkou." His words visibly caught the attention of the golden bird, "This is your chance for revenge after all those injuries he gave you."
Zarenkou began to flap his wings, slowly ascending higher into the sky, "Indeed, even for a being of resurrection like myself, I have still not fully recovered. I will enjoy this."
Naruto listened to their conversation feeling that they were talking about the Kyuubi. He was surprised to find that the Kitsune was unusually quiet. Gamakichi broke him from his wandering thoughts, "Here they come."
Naruto steadied his grip on the toads head as the flying Phoenix twisted in the air, facing towards them, before propelling itself at a high speed. Gamakichi jumped to the side as the golden creatures head impacted where he was standing moments before.
His landing on the river caused an enormous spray of water as he withdrew his blade from its sheath and jumped at the bird. Zarenkou put out his clawed feet blocking the blade as he swung one of his giant wings causing a flame to emanate from it. Gamakichi swiftly pulled back his sword as he jumped back a great distance towards the waterfall and cut through the approaching flame causing it to break in two. The two separate flames impacted against the two statues cracking them and causing parts of rock to crumble into the water below.
Naruto nodded his head, smiling, "You've been training. I'm impressed."
Gamakichi didn't reply as he leapt into the air avoiding the balls of fire shot at him from Zarenkou's mouth. He pulled up his blade as he descended towards the golden bird, slashing downwards in order to rip him in two. Zarenkou opened its beak catching the blade in between it.
Naruto was taken aback as he held his broken arm whilst Gamakichi began to apply force to rip the blade right through the golden bird. As the two powers were at a stalemate, the toad took a breath before shouting, "Juuyu Chikemuri!" He shot large amounts of oil from his mouth covering the bird and his summoner with the thick substance.
The golden bird began to flap his wings taking sanctuary in the air as the liquid blinded him and left his golden fur covered with taints of black. Gamakichi jumped into the air reaching the height of the legendary bird, "NOW KID!"
Naruto formed one handed seals before putting his hand in front of his mouth, "Katon Gokakyu No Jutsu!" The fireball shot from his mouth crashed into the bird engulfing it in flames as it ignited the oil. The results spread across the bird and towards Madara whose appearance turned to that of the clones he had created before.
Gamakichi landed on the statue of the Shodaime causing it to break and fall towards the opposite structure. The toad quickly jumped from his position to the river below more calmly, "You set a bird of fire on fire…that's not going to help!"
Naruto looked down at the toad, "What else was I supposed to do? Fire is best with oil!" An angry scream filled the air as the now on fire Madara jumped off the Phoenix to the river below, his descent increasing in speed before he plummeted into the water.
Naruto smirked, "Heh, it did help."
The conversing companions stopped as the Zarenkou regained control of the flames and ascended higher into the sky, "Fools! You will pay for this mockery!"
Gamakichi looked at the water below before at the flying Phoenix, "This is the only chance we have to end this, I'm not sure if that creep is dead yet but…I don't think I've got much else I can do."
Naruto nodded acknowledging his statement as he began to think of a plan. Zarenkou opened it's beak as flames began to flow out of his mouth slowly taking shape. Gamakichi readied his sword, "Hurry up, I don't want to become a barbequed toad…that's a delicacy in some places."
Naruto rose to his feet as the pain in his lower area had mostly subsided, "Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" Four clones popped up next to him as the jinchuuriki withdrew four special kunai from his pouch. He looked at the only remaining one before throwing the kunai at his clones, "The feet and the wings; that is your target."
He held out his right hand as the wind formed around it resulting in another blade, "Gamakichi, I need you to get us closer. They won't be able to throw the kunai that far."
The toad nodded as he jumped to the top of the valley walls before taking another gigantic leap towards the golden bird in the sky. Zarenkou let the last of the flames escape his mouth joining the developing ball of fire which was now colossal in size, "Choushinsei!" He shot the gigantic orb which was now near the bulk of Gamakichi towards the approaching shinobi and summon.
Naruto looked towards the orange toad as he saw the attack. Gamakichi raised his sword so that it protected his face, "Don't worry."
He nodded as his clones pulled back the kunai throwing them at their respective targets as the ball of fire neared them. Naruto felt the pull on himself before he vanished; the last thing he saw of Gamakichi was the scorching orb engulfing him.
Zarenkou's eyes lightened up as he saw the ball of flames connect but almost simultaneously, he saw flashes of yellow signalling the execution of the Hiraishin No Jutsu. The legendary creature felthis wings being ripped from his body and his feet sliced in two. He let out a shrill cry as Naruto finished his attack and began falling to the river below.
The severed limbs of the Phoenix turned into ash as the rest of his body disappeared leaving a strenuous amount of smoke behind. Naruto continued his descent from high in the air as he looked towards the ground and heard another popping sound. 'Gamakichi…'
The attack by the Phoenix however crashed into the river below exploding in all directions as the water flew into the sky and the atmosphere was covered in a mixture of falling water and fire. Naruto didn't have time to admire the amazing sight as Madara flew past him before grabbing his hair. His cloak was torn and ragged and he was also hurting with various burn marks across the visible parts of his skin. Naruto drew a kunai from his pouch before attempting to drive it into the criminal's head.
The Uchiha saw the attack coming as he punched Naruto's left arm making him lose concentration of his aim. Naruto pulled out the special three pronged kunai before shoving it in his mouth to have something to bite down on, due to the pain. Madara moved behind the jinchuuriki as they continued falling before disconnecting the pouch tied to his leg and kicking it to the valley walls. Naruto turned around facing his enemy before placing a ferocious kick in his stomach and then another to his chin.
Blood escaped the Uchiha's mouth as he blocked the subsequent kick before turning and landing one of his own into Naruto's back causing them both to fly in opposite directions.
Naruto flew towards the direction of the waterfall before he twisted and held on with his chakra. Steadying himself he jumped to the fallen statues below landing on their hard surface.
Madara landed on the now decreased in volume river as the water kept pouring down as if it were raining. He looked at the blonde across him as he wiped the blood from his face, "I can't believe you've made me go this far…" He lifted his hands to the plugs on the side of his nose before slowly pulling them out.
Naruto bit down on the kunai in his mouth trying to ignore the building pain in his arm as he saw the plugs thrown into the river and showing the holes behind them. The jinchuuriki looked on curiously at the abnormal sight.
Madara's eyes began to change shape as the black swirls of the sharingan began to unite with each other revealing a whole new pattern. "To obtain this technique, the user is forced to endure great pain because…when you execute it for the first time, it is forced out." As he said this, he pointed at the holes at the side of his nose and under his eyes.
Due to being distracted Naruto never saw two clones grab him from each side. The kunai in his mouth hushed his pained scream as one of the clones put a lot of pressure on his broken arm.
Madara smirked as lighting began to emanate from the holes on his face as well as from his crimson eyes. "Susanoo!" A blast of lighting flashed from him as it rapidly approached Naruto.
The jinchuuriki looked on in fright as he saw the incoming attack; he bit down onto his kunai hardly before pulling his left arm inwards to bring the clone towards himself. Ignoring the agonising pain, he used the kunai in his mouth to slash the clone's throat as it turned into water. Jumping up he drove his leg into the remaining clone's stomach causing it turn into the water from which it was created also. As his right arm was freed, he ripped the kunai from his mouth and threw it as hard as he could into the distance. He vanished from his position seconds before Madara's attack connected and destroyed the remnants of the statues of the legends of Konoha. The ensuing rubble spread in all directions, falling everywhere.
Naruto landed at the top of the valley walls as he saw the chaos caused by the attack of the Uchiha. He ignored the pain as he saw that the sharingan wielder hadn't noticed his failed attack. Knowing this was his only chance he forced his left arm upwards and began to form seals with both his hands. Finishing, he threw out his right hand in the direction of the leader of the Akatsuki, "Yasha Kachuu!"
The orange haired criminal's ears twitched as he heard the shout of the jinchuuriki but it was too late as the air around him instantly changed and began to whirl around his position. He looked around himself as the wind connected leaving him with no view past it. He was in a perfect spherical shape as the wind began to spin relentlessly and pulling him into the sides of the sphere. He tried to resist strongly but the force of the raging wind flung him into the sides of the sphere as he began to be thrown all around the sphere causing his body to become cut and the blood to begin flowing. To add to the already devastating effect, the tormenting wind pulled up the water along with it as it felt he was being sliced and drowned at the same time.
Naruto smiled as he began to constrict his hand and the large sphere he had created also responded by tightening itself, "I said that you would regret sending the other two away." He prepared to close his hand completely in order to make the spherical shape of wind implode.
Due to his drowsiness and diminished chakra he failed to recognise another presence slowly reveal itself from the ground behind him. The jinchuuriki opened his hand completely before preparing to close it into a fist however an excruciating pain flowed through his spine as he felt something implanted deeply into his neck. Losing his concentration, he fell onto his knees as his technique began to fade. The last thing he saw before drifting into unconsciousness was the sight of yellow eyes looking down at him with a green structure surrounding the figure.
Zetsu looked towards the calming sphere of wind and water in the valley as it faded to reveal the body of the leader of the Akatsuki. Madara coughed up blood as his clothes were torn and he had several lacerations across his skin. He struggled to get onto his feet on the water as he looked upwards to where the green haired Akatsuki was present, "…You've…subdued him?"
Zetsu nodded as he spoke, "His strength is great though I find it hard to believe he was such a problem for you."
Madara shakily began to walk, stretching his neck, "He wouldn't have been…if it wasn't for the Kyuubi preventing my genjutsu and mind reading abilities." He made his way to where Naruto was, surveying the carnage their battle caused.
The rain of water began to slow down but continued nonetheless. The surrounding valley walls looked disfigured as the waterfall seemed plain and the statues were destroyed leaving their scattered parts floating in the river. "Let's go Zetsu…"
Zetsu nodded as he picked up Naruto and made his way towards the leader of the Akatsuki. Madara gazed at the river below as the head of the Shodaime's carved figure floated in the water bringing back memories of his previous battle at this location.
"Please Madara, I beg of you…let him go."
The Uchiha closed his eyes before speaking, "You were always a fool…Shodaime."
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Sasuke was seated on his bed, deep in thought over what had transpired. His room was shrouded in darkness as the only source of light was the moonlight entering through his window. The Uchiha had visited Naruto's apartment earlier during the day as he wanted to talk with the jinchuuriki. However, as he saw Neji take off with Jiraiya in his arms, he knew that something was wrong. Entering his friend's small abode he realised from the scattered clothes and open compartments that he was no longer present in the village of Konoha.
He had spent the rest of the day in his room in contemplation over what to do. His punishment required him to stay within the boundaries of the village at all costs and the price for transgressing was great.
He looked to the side at the newly taken picture he had with his team after the battle with Orochimaru. He rose from his bed and walked towards it as he stared at occupants of it. He let out a sigh as he remembered the day it was taken.
Flashback
Naruto held out his hand in a victory sign as he grabbed Sasuke around the neck and began to slightly strangle him. Sakura couldn't contain herself as she saw the look on the Uchiha's face and began to laugh as Kakashi stood behind his newly reunited team with a smile under his mask. A white flash later, Sasuke took Naruto's arm off from around him and began to rub his neck, "What's wrong with you dobe?"
Kakashi instantly pulled out his orange book and began to read since the picture had been taken. "Time to eat, I guess. Follow me."
Sakura stopped her laughter at the antics of her teammates as she saw Kakashi read the familiar book. She ran to catch up with the shinobi, "You said you wouldn't read that book today."
Kakashi scratched his head before turning a page in the adult novel, "I did? Why are you lying Sakura?"
Sakura raised an eyebrow at the accusation before having a small outburst. "I'm not lying!" She held up her fist as she followed the jounin, 'Shannaro! How dare you!'
Sasuke put his hands in his pockets as he saw the forms of his teammates disappearing and began to walk in their direction.
"Sasuke…"
The Uchiha stopped and turned around when he heard the voice of the jinchuuriki, "What is it?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head giving an awkward laugh before he put a hand in his pocket and retrieved a forehead protector. His actions caught the interest of the sharingan wielder as he wondered what he was doing. The Uzumaki walked up to his friend and gave him the forehead protector, "That day…you could've killed me…but you didn't."
Sasuke looked at the forehead protector and the line running through the middle of it which was created by the blonde in front of him.
Naruto walked past him, "It's a symbol of our friendship…and a reminder of your past…" He gave a small laugh, "Welcome home!" He began to run in the direction of Sakura and Kakashi before yelling back, "Hurry up, don't expect us to wait all day for you."
Sasuke gave a small smile and pocketed the gift before turning to walk after the rest of his teammates.
End Flashback
The black haired teenager's eyes drifted from the picture to its side where the forehead protector he had received that day lay. He reached out and picked it up staring at it momentarily.
"The people who suffer…they all deserve a chance for contentment."
He gritted his teeth as the memories of the day Naruto revealed his condition to him flushed his mind. Reaching up to his forehead he untied the leaf headband he was currently wearing, letting it fall to the floor with a small thud. He walked to the side of his bed where his kusanagi lay before picking it up and tying it to his waist. Walking past his bed he picked up his weapons pouch and tied it to his leg before finally placing the forehead protector he received from Naruto on that day around his head.
He left his apartment, his decision made and accepted as he jumped across the rooftops of Konoha. Nearing the exit of the shinobi village, he stopped when he saw a familiar path below. He jumped down onto the road walking forwards and looking around as the memories of leaving the village for the first time came to mind.
He closed his eyes, standing still momentarily, "It's different this time." He opened his eyes to take off but froze when he felt a presence behind him.
"Sasuke…" The calm voice made the Uchiha straighten.
Sasuke remained silent for a few moments before speaking, "What do you want?"
The white haired jounin looked towards the ground, "If you leave now…they won't be lenient on you when you return." Sasuke looked up at the stars not answering as the masked man continued, "The sharingan is important…but not as much as this village's honour…they'll kill you."
Sasuke closed his eyes inhaling the fresh air not letting the words of the jounin faze him.
"You've got another chance…a new beginning…make the most of it."
He opened his eyes as he remembered the words of the jinchuuriki. He shook his head as he took a few steps forward before answering, "…Then let them." He turned to face the ex-Anbu, "Don't get in my way."
Kakashi gave a smile behind his small mask, "I just needed to make sure…" Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the comment, "…If you understand, let's go."
Sasuke nodded as the two shinobi took off, leaving the village of Konoha in search of their friend.
Chingo Fukikesu - Guarding Flame (Original)
Choushinsei - Supernova (Original)
Hiraishin No Jutsu - Flying Thunder God Technique
Ikijigoku - Living Hell (Original)
Juuyu Chikemuri - Oil Spray (Original)
Kage Bunshin No Jutsu - Shadow Clone Technique
Kage Mai Keibatsu - Shadow Dance Judgment (Original)
Katon Gokakyu No Jutsu - Fire Release Great Fireball Technique
Kuchiyose No Jutsu - Summoning Technique
Souansha Heijin - Twin Blades (Original)
Suiton Daibakufu No Jutsu - Water Release Great Waterfall Technique
Suiton Suiryudan No Jutsu - Water Release Water Dragon Blast Technique
Susanoo - God Of The Sea And Storms (Name isn't original)
Yasha Kachuu - Demonic Maelstrom (Original)
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone