章 43: Goro Vs Kabuto
A/N: We've hit target hit our first target, so there will be a double release next week Monday. For a Triple Release, let's hit 900 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 900 Powerstones!
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A week had passed, and Goro sat in the stands of the Exam Arena, his gaze fixed on the battle unfolding below. Sasuke was facing off against Gaara, their fight having everyone watching hooked. To his right sat Asuma, his arms crossed as he watched intently. On his left was Kurenai, who, like Asuma, was fully focused on the fight.
'Shikamaru's match went just like it did before, against Temari. Ino, on the other hand, fought a close one against Shino, but she lost. Kankuro was advanced to the later stages to make room for him to fight.'
Asuma leaned forward slightly, eyes locked on Sasuke. "Kakashi trained him well. Isn't the Chidori an A-rank jutsu?" he remarked, watching as Sasuke dug his lightning-imbued hand into Gaara's defenses. "He's actually able to get through Gaara's defense." He turned to Goro with a teasing grin. "Think you'd be able to beat Gaara?"
Kurenai, who had been listening quietly, glanced over at Goro, genuinely interested in his response.
Without hesitation, Goro responded, "Gaara still needs a few more years to catch up to me."
Kurenai scoffed, her expression disbelieving. "That's arrogance, Goro. You didn't see what Gaara did to Lee."
Goro didn't flinch. "And you didn't see what I did to Kakuzu," he rebutted.
Asuma was about to burst out laughing at Goro's retort, but he quickly stifled it after catching the death stare Kurenai shot him. His expression shifted to a more serious face as he raised his hands slightly, trying to diffuse the tension.
"All right, relax, you two," Asuma said, shaking his head. "We're here to enjoy the matches, not start our own."
Kurenai sighed, clearly not willing to drag the matter further, and let it go. The three of them returned their attention to the arena.
Goro's eyelids suddenly felt heavy, and a wave of drowsiness washed over him.
'This feeling... It's time. This is Kabuto's doing...'
Kurenai weaved a quick hand sign and said, "Release." Asuma and Goro followed suit, dispelling the genjutsu that had attempted to take hold of them.
Goro abruptly stood up, scanning the chaos for Kabuto.
'Where is this bastard?'
While trying to find the source of the genjutsu, a Sound ninja lunged at Goro from the side. As Goro was about to take the ninja out, Asuma swiftly cut down the attacker with a single stroke, slicing the assailant's neck.
"Thanks, Sensei," Goro said, his eyes still occupied with trying to find Kabuto.
'I can't see clearly enough from here! I need to move to a new location.'
Another Sound ninja attacked the three, this time aiming for Asuma, trying to avenge his ally.
Disregarding the attacker, Goro jumped onto the roof of the stands, his eyes scanning the two other stands below. But no matter where he looked, Kabuto was nowhere to be seen.
'Looks like I have to activate the jutsu. The giant snake would've been summoned by now. To prevent Kabuto's plan of destroying the Leaf, I need to activate my new jutsu.'
Pouring in half of his chakra, Goro pretended to weave hand signs and called out, "Water Style: Water Bound Jutsu!"
'I only put in half, but I have a x5 multiplier, so this jutsu should be as strong as if I used 250% of my chakra reserves. That should be enough to encompass the whole village.'
Goro watched as a massive pillar of water stretched towards the sky and slowly spread out. The dome was beginning to take shape in the sky above the village. Slowly, it descended over the area, creating a translucent barrier. Water webs began shooting out from the dome, tangling up Sound shinobi who had infiltrated the village.
'This should also take care of that massive snake summon. It should also take care of most of the Sound ninja, giving our Leaf ninja an easier time.'
From his position on the roof, Goro perched down and examined the other stands, looking for Kabuto, who he knew was disguised as an Anbu. His eyes finally locked onto an Anbu in the stand to the left of him, who was in a black cloak struggling against the barrier. The figure cut through the water web after struggling for some time, freeing himself from its grip.
"What is this crap?" the Anbu grunted.
'I've got you now. That's got to be Kabuto.'
Goro flickered to where Kabuto was standing, delivering a powerful dropkick to Kabuto's chest. The impact sent Kabuto flying over the railing, his body slamming into the ground where Sasuke and Gaara had been previously fighting. Dust rose around him as he skidded across the dirt, finally coming to a stop near the area where Genma and Baki were locked in combat.
As Kabuto staggered to his feet, he touched his face, double-checking his mask was in place, only to realize it had fallen off from the force of Goro's kick. Seeing as he had been caught and there was no reason to continue hiding, Kabuto pulled the hood of his cloak down and scowled in the direction he was hit.
"What is this jutsu?! It's messing with our plan! And who attacked me?!" Kabuto pondered, gritting his teeth.
Kabuto's eyes very quickly locked onto Goro, who stood on the railing, looking down at him. "It's that brat. Of course it would be him. He's been in our way from the start! I should've just killed him like Lord Orochimaru said!" Kabuto thought.
The water dome Goro had summoned was still doing its job, keeping most of the Sound ninja at bay, trapping them in its watery webs. However, a few skilled ones had managed to slip through the barrier and were rushing towards Goro, in defense of Kabuto.
Before they could attack, Kakashi and Guy appeared in a blur of motion, intercepting the attackers mid-air. Kakashi grabbed one by the collar, while Guy punched another through a wall.
"I don't know what these water tentacles are, but they're doing a great job at helping us out. We'll join you as quickly as we can. Do not let Kabuto escape!" Kakashi urged.
Holding a thumbs up, Goro flickered down, appearing a few meters away from Kabuto.
Kabuto chuckled, brushing off the dirt from his cloak as he stood upright. His eyes gleamed with amusement. "So, you're still holding a grudge from back then?" he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Well, I suppose that's fine, because I too am holding a grudge against you. Although, it's sad knowing the person you saved is trying to actively take your life."
'What does he mean by that? Whatever, it doesn't matter now anyway.'
Kabuto stepped closer, his confident smirk widening. "But let me make something clear. I'm not really a genin. On paper, sure, it might look that way... but in reality, it's more accurate to compare me to a jonin." He laughed, the arrogance seeping through his words.
Goro, unfazed, met Kabuto's laughter with his own, which seemed to catch Kabuto off guard. The brief moment of confusion flickered across Kabuto's face.
"We're the same, then," Goro said, mimicking Kabuto's same confident smile.
Kabuto furrowed his brow, his confusion evident. However, this confusion was overshadowed by a sudden realization that flashed on his face. "How pretentious of you. For a moment you actually managed to trick me... Enough posturing, I'll teach you what I mean," Kabuto said.
Without waiting for a response, Kabuto darted forward, layering his hands with chakra and swinging his hand with a swift, calculated motion aimed at Goro's chest.
"Die!"
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Reminder: For a Triple Release, let's hit 900 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 900 Powerstones!
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